Acholi farmers urged to grow coffee instead of selling land to Balaalo

1 May 2025, 4:31 pm

By Otim Moses

Farmers in the Acholi sub-region have been urged to grow coffee instead of selling their land cheaply to Balaalo for unproductive use.

The call was made by Rtd. Brig. Gen. John Charles Anywar, the Operation Wealth Creation Director of Tea and Cocoa, during a training session for extension workers and coffee growers from Lamwo and Kitgum districts, held at Aceba Sub-county in Lamwo on Tuesday.

Brigadier Anywar noted that coffee cultivation began in the Acholi sub-region in 2013, adding that there is evidence to show that coffee can thrive in the region.

He emphasised that while growing other food crops such as sesame, maize, and sorghum can supplement household income, coffee and other high-value crops should be the primary sources of income for farmers.

Anywar also warned landowners in the Acholi sub-region to refrain from selling land cheaply to Balaalo and other exploitative buyers, urging them instead to use the land for productive ventures that could transform agricultural production.

The Lamwo District Chairperson, Mr Oyet Sisto Ocen, noted that although Lamwo is well known for growing sesame and soybeans, low market prices have significantly affected returns for farmers.

Regarding coffee farming, Ocen appealed to the Government to localise the trade in coffee seeds and seedlings, as the region has abundant arable land that could boost local farmers’ income.