In a collaborative effort to bolster the country's coffee industry, Rt Hon Namayanja Rose Nsereko, the Deputy Secretary General of the NRM, embarked on a field monitoring activity alongside the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) yesterday. She visited coffee farms in Mubende and Kasanda districts, walking hand in hand with local farmers, all eager to infuse fresh energy into Uganda's coffee world, particularly among the youth.
Rt Hon Namayanja, while addressing local farmers, stressed the significance of coffee as a cash crop for export earnings. "We have reached a level where we no longer lack role models for young people to look up to," she said. "The enthusiasm among the youth is remarkable, as they aspire not only to grow coffee but also to add value through processing."
During her visit to several farms, Namayanja was particularly impressed by the meticulous farming practices employed by the community. "The involvement of the community in growing coffee is encouraging. Their modern farming techniques, from planting to spacing, are commendable," she noted. She also acknowledged the emergence of youthful entrepreneurs who have taken up substantial acreages of coffee cultivation.
Namayanja also underlined the importance of a steady supply of quality coffee seedlings, as interest in coffee farming grows.
Lucy Namuddu, a coffee nursery operator in Luwaayi, Kasanda district, shared her insights on the government's role in the coffee industry. "The government has helped us by providing coffee seedlings, especially seven-line cuttings for the farmers in the area," she explained. "It provided me with the initial seedlings to plant in the seven lines mother garden, and it has also equipped me with an irrigation scheme."
Mathew Katash Kwikiriza, the UCDA Western Region Coordinator, echoed Namayanja's sentiments, expressing gratitude for her presence during the event. "Honorable Namayanja's visit allows us to showcase the practical work being done on the ground," he remarked. "We're actively training farmers to adopt modern technologies, control pests and diseases, and rejuvenate ageing coffee trees."
Kwikiriza highlighted the challenges caused by climate variations, including drought stress and the emergence of new pests. "The changing weather patterns have posed significant challenges to our coffee farmers," he said. "However, if we focus on rehabilitating old coffee gardens and adopting proper practices, we can work towards achieving the 20 million bags target set in the coffee roadmap."
With the youth showing increasing interest in coffee cultivation and processing, and with proper support from the government, the coffee sector is poised for growth, promising improved household incomes and contributing to the nation's economic prosperity.