More than 100 farmers in Pader District have received training on coffee growing.
It was organised by the district production department with support from Matuuga Industries and Logistic Hub, and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
Seydou Opoka Adolatona, the District Agricultural Officer, said coffee and cocoa are good crops that can help reduce poverty.
“Once planted, these crops are easy to manage and can bring money for many years,” he said. He advised farmers to use digital tools, such as buying seedlings and farm tools online. He also thanked the company for helping the farmers with knowledge and support.
Opoka said that under this program, each farmer will grow coffee or cocoa on at least two acres of land. The Ministry of Agriculture and OWC will provide free seedlings, irrigation tools, and more training to help farmers succeed.
This program is part of the government’s National Development Plan 4 (NDP4), which aims to help over 15,000 farmers in Pader grow coffee and cocoa to increase their incomes.
Dr. Raymond Kivumbi, an expert from Matuuga Industries, told farmers that coffee growing needs land, labour, money, and good planning. He said each coffee plant should give about 4 kilograms of beans, adding that coffee grows best in soil with an acidity level between 5.0 and 6.5.
Dr. Kivumbi dismissed claims that coffee can’t grow in northern Uganda. “That is not true. It was a story made up during colonial times. Coffee can do well here,” he said. He added that one kilogram of coffee now sells between 13,000 and 16,000 Shillings.
Francis Omony, a farmer from Pader Town Council, said the training helped him learn new skills. He asked for more training in villages so that all farmers can benefit. In response, the company promised to train more farmers before the rainy season, now and often.
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