Bulambuli farmers decry coffee pests and diseases

22 July 2024, 11:51 am

By Shadrach Bethel Afayo

Coffee farmers in the Buginyanya and Bumugibole sub-counties of Bulambuli district have expressed concerns over the increasing prevalence of coffee pests and diseases, negatively impacting their coffee yields.

These grievances were aired during an event organised by Balambuli Kwigate Coffee Limited in partnership with Darley Investments Limited, where the best farmers of the season were awarded, with the top farmer receiving a motorcycle and various gifts.

The event aimed to build relationships between farmers, suppliers, local leaders, and other stakeholders. Farmers reported that the coffee cherries change colour from red to black due to Coffee Berry Disease (CBD).

Gimei Justine, a coffee farmer from Buginyanya Sub-county, mentioned that pests and diseases have significantly affected their expected output. He added that pesticides are expensive and urged the government to moderate the prices.

Bwoyilisa Beth, another farmer from Bumugibole Sub-county, highlighted that these diseases, coupled with poverty, force farmers to harvest their coffee prematurely and sell it at low prices. She also pointed out that middlemen in the area exploit the farmers, leading to compromised quality and market value of the coffee.

Nakaima Costance, a farmer from Bumugibole Sub-county, noted that poor road conditions in the district hinder the transportation of coffee to the market. Madete Simon added that due to low coffee prices, farmers cannot afford pesticides.

He called upon the government to increase coffee prices and praised Balambuli Kwigate Coffee for their continuous support, which has improved farmers’ livelihoods in the region. Songo James, the LC3 chairperson, acknowledged the poor state of the roads but said the Sub-county lacks the funds to maintain them.

Thomas Kategere, in charge of production and capacity development at the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, highlighted the government’s goal of exporting 20 million bags of coffee to boost national revenue.

He promised to advocate for improving the road network to aid in this effort, which would also create jobs. Fuugo Rogers, the Bulambuli District Extension Officer, noted that the district plans to train farmers on disease and pest management. He observed that some farmers are sceptical about buying pesticides even when they are available and urged them to seek advice from extension workers.

Bernard Henry Mukhone, the CEO of Balambuli Kwigate Coffee, encouraged farmers to focus on coffee quality to increase their income. He stated that Balambuli Kwigate Coffee provides support and incentives to farmers, such as fertilisers and cash bonuses, to motivate them to produce high-quality coffee.

Bulambuli Resident District Commissioner Stanley Bayole praised Balambuli Kwigate Coffee Limited for their initiative and urged farmers to improve coffee quality to boost household income. He promised to enhance security to curb coffee theft.

Hon. Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu, Minister of State for the Elderly and the chief guest at the event, urged farmers to embrace coffee as the main cash crop in the Elgon region through value addition. He challenged each household to grow coffee to improve their income and pledged government support in combating pests and improving the transport network to help farmers access better markets.