RUBIRIZI,UGANDA – Coffee farmers in Rubirizi District have been urged to stop harvesting immature coffee to ensure the district’s coffee meets global quality standards and secures better market access.
The training, organized by Cafe Africa in partnership with Rubirizi District Local Government, brought together coffee farmers, local leaders, extension workers, and religious leaders. The session focused on new laws governing coffee in European markets, value addition, and sustainable production.
Mr. Moses Mugumye, a trainer from Cafe Africa, warned farmers that poor quality coffee attracts low prices and damages Rubirizi’s reputation. He said harvesting immature coffee reduces quality and earnings. He also cautioned farmers against cutting down forests and wetlands to plant coffee, noting the practice is no longer allowed under the UN Coffee Deforestation Regulation and EU marketing laws. Offenders, he said, will face legal action under the new regulations.
Barigye Didas, the District Agriculture Officer, said the training will help farmers improve coffee management, increase yields, and protect the environment for future generations. He said farmers and extension workers will be equipped with skills for sustainable production and proper post-harvest handling. He urged farmers to change their mindset and grow coffee as a business for income, not just for food. He added that Rubirizi District has started village-level registration of all coffee farmers to comply with new market requirements.
Hon. Mubangizi John, Chairperson of Rwandaro Coffee Growers Association, said farmers agreed during the training that quality coffee, environmental protection, and registration are key to higher prices and a sustainable future. He urged farmers to weed, prune, spray, and apply manure so they can harvest only mature coffee of good quality.
Hon. Muhirwe Daphine from Katerera and Hon. Justine Kyimpe from Mushumba, both coffee farmers who attended, commended Cafe Africa and Rubirizi District Local Government for equipping them with skills on producing quality coffee. They said the knowledge will help farmers increase household income and ensure Rubirizi coffee benefits producers.
Officials said sensitization will continue as the district prepares farmers for stricter international market compliance.
_Story compiled by Hon. Tugume Muzafaru, Senior News Reporter, Rubirizi District. For media coverage: 0702269259._
Thanks very much for this information because jt Will help us the farmers to produce the quality of coffee the need in the world market but am requesting district to provide us more seedlings for coffee I submit
There fore we need more coffee seedlings for planting