Rugyeyo Coffee Farmers Celebrate Good Harvests and High Prices Despite Challenges

Kanungu: Coffee farmers and buyers in several parishes of Rugyeyo Sub-county, Kanungu District are celebrating a successful coffee season, marked by better harvests and encouraging prices compared to previous years.

Many farmers are excited about the profits they have earned, saying the improved prices and good yields have allowed them to recover their investment and even make additional income. Some have used the earnings for important needs like paying school fees and making long-term investments.

A coffee farmer who grows both Arabica and Robusta varieties and also serves as the LC1 chairperson of Kyampungu Cell in Nyarurambi Parish, Edson Tumwesigye, said this season has been much better than the past ones.

However, he noted some challenges, including unpredictable weather, poor roads that make transport difficult, the drying up of some Robusta coffee, and theft from gardens and stores.

CUE in…. Tumwesigye speaking…RR

Another coffee farmer and trader Kennedy Muhwezi, said they are grateful for the improved prices this season. He noted that a kilogram of Robusta coffee was selling at 16,500 shillings, while Arabica ranged from 13,500 to 14,000 shillings. However, he raised concerns about price instability.

Rugyeyo Sub-county and Nyakabungo Town Council Agricultural Officer, Alfred Rwakarara, said that although the area also produces tea and bananas, coffee remains the main source of income for the community.

Rwakarara highlighted some of the challenges farmers are facing, including climate change, poor farming practices, pests, and diseases like coffee wilt, treak and stem borer, which threaten the crop.

He advised farmers to practice proper plantation management, including mulching, spraying, weeding, applying manure and fertilizers, and pruning to increase both the quality and quantity of their harvests.

Rwakarara also urged local leaders and the police to work together and form security committees to help prevent coffee theft.

CUE in….. Rwakarara speaking…//RR