Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, the Minister of State for Agriculture, addressing beneficiaries of the moisture meters
The government through the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) has given out a total of 56 moisture meters worth Shs672m to farmers, processors and traders with the aim of improving the quality of coffee and cocoa.
Each moisture meter is valued at Shs12 million. Of the 56 moisture meters, 38 were from the UCDA while 18 were acquired under the European Union-funded Cocoa and Coffee Development Project (CoCoDev).
Presiding over at the handover event held at UCDA laboratory in Lugogo, Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, the Minister of State for Agriculture, said a moisture meter is key in producing quality coffee and cocoa.
“This government initiative to distribute moisture meters through UCDA is critical in our quest to improve post-harvest handling and quality assurance. The provision of these moisture meters will enable farmers, processors, and traders to ensure that Uganda coffee and cocoa meet international quality standards,” said Bwino.
He added: “Proper moisture content plays a key role in maintaining product integrity, enhancing market value and reducing post-harvest loses. This is important especially as Uganda seeks to maintain competitiveness in the global markets and meet the evolving demands of our buyers.”
The Minister commended the coffee and cocoa value chain actors for pushing Uganda to a point of recognition worldwide, noting that Uganda’s coffee and cocoa are being sought after.
He however tasked the stakeholders to do more needs so that Uganda can “earn premium prices by processing and exporting more specialty coffees that earn higher prices.”
Bwino noted that the production of specialty coffees requires adherence to strict quality standards.
“UCDA has spearheaded this campaign by supporting farmers with equipment to enhance production,” he said.
The moisture meters will ensure compliance with regulations-less than 14% for FAQ coffee and a maximum of 12.5% of export grades.
Last year, UCDA distributed 35 wet mills to farmer organizations worth Shs 2.2 billion to support the processing of high-quality coffee.
Dr. Sadik Kassim, a UCDA Board member, said moisture meters aim to support effective moisture monitoring and control, which he said is crucial for ensuring the processing of high-quality coffee and cocoa.
Currently, it is estimated that 40% of crop losses occur at the harvest and post-harvest stages of value chain.
“Our strategy for the coffee sub sector aims to reduce this loss to 20% by 2025,” Dr. Kassim said, adding: “One of the most effective methods for achieving this goal is through meticulous moisture control. By managing moisture levels before, during and after drying, we can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth and the development of harmful substances like Ochratoxin A (OTA).”
Cooperatives, farmer organizations, sub-sector players who participated in competitions such the Best of the Pearl Arabica and Robusta competitions and cocoa of excellence benefited from the moisture meters. Beneficiaries of the UCDA wet mills support program also received the moisture meters.
Eunice Kabibi, the Ag. UCDA Managing Director and Board Secretary, said that although the moisture meters might be few, they are for purposes of demonstration, aimed to among others, enhance the overall quality of dried cocoa and coffee beans and reduce losses at both harvest and post harvest stages.
Uganda plans to quadruple coffee production to 20 million 60 kg bags by 2030.
