Coffee Plantation in Mbale
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has urged the public to provide information on poor agronomic and harvest practices along the coffee value chain.
“I hereby urge anyone with information regarding poor agronomic and harvesting practices along the coffee value chain to immediately report it to the Assistant Commissioner Coffee Production on 0312 260470 for appropriate action to safeguard our export market development and positioning,” said Maj Gen David Kasura-Kyomukama, the Permanent Secretary of MAAIF in a statement.
Following the Rationalization of government Agencies and Expenditure (RAPEX), the functions of the Cotton Development Organization (CDO), Dairy Development Authority (DDA), National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) and Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) were transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Subsequently, to ensure uninterrupted operations, particularly the critical functions such as extension services and export processes, MAAIF has continued to employ the technical staff of these agencies.
According to Kasura, the government is focused on supporting the future of Uganda’s agriculture and specifically to improving export revenue from its products, including coffee and urges all stakeholders to remain committed to best practices that facilitate this.
“This is why the Ministry is deeply concerned about reports that some people are harvesting premature coffee in some parts of the country, and drying Fair Average Quality (FAQ) coffee in a poor way. These poor post-harvest practices may lead to significant losses by reducing the value of Ugandan Coffee exports. The public is hereby informed that all the mechanisms, including enforcement, that existed prior to the rationalization of the UCDA into MAAIF remain in full effect. All coffee value chain actors must comply with all the mechanisms that existed under UCDA to avoid penalties. The Ministry will use robust means to ensure that Uganda’s good export position is protected,” said Kasura.
It is worth noting that coffee exports are proceeding smoothly. In December 2024, Uganda exported 413,221 60 kg bags of coffee, valued at USD 115.02 million, to various international markets, including Italy, Germany, USA, China, India, Algeria, and Morocco. This represents an increase in both volume and value compared to the exports of November 2024, which amounted to 400,536 60 kg bags valued at US$ 108.91 million.
“These export figures underscore our commitment to ensuring that nothing compromises the resilience of our trade in agriculture,” added Kasura.
Regarding the allegations regarding the lack of regulation on the use of pesticides in Uganda, Kasura said that “while we recognize the importance of public health, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture, we wish to express concern with the alarmist and misleading narrative promoted by these articles.”
Kasura said that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries recommits to safeguarding public health and the environment, enhancing sustainable agricultural productivity, and ensuring that Uganda’s agricultural exports are globally competitive.
“We urge all stakeholders, including CSOs, to join MAAIF in advancing science-based, practical solutions for pest and disease management. By working together, we can achieve a prosperous, food-secure, safe,” said Kasura.
Good
We as farmers also need quality coffee so as to fetch high prices but because of natural calamities is making as off quality of coffee during harvest seasons,so if government could reduce on the co- funding for micro scale irrigation to be affordable by typical peasant farmers so as to irrigate our coffee during ripening hence good yields and quality at the same time.
We appreciate what the ministry is doing.
As Lamogi Pagoro GCS, we are just adding coffee into our value chain this year.
We would be grateful if we join other coffee farmers.
Together for the sustainable development.
Lack of Extension Services:
In many rural coffee-growing areas, there might be a lack of agricultural extension services that provide farmers with advice, training, or support for adopting better practices.
Supply Chain Dynamics:
The structure of the coffee supply chain can also influence practices. If farmers are not rewarded for higher quality or sustainable practices, there’s little incentive to improve beyond basic survival strategies.