By Our Reporter
Ngora District - Farmers in Mukura Town Council, Ngora District, have been trained on growing the robusta strain of coffee, a crop once believed to be unsuitable for Teso sub-region soils. The training, held at Kaler Church of Uganda, was organized by Cajila Africa Links Institute and aimed at equipping farmers with modern agricultural practices and value-addition skills.
The event saw dozens of farmers from Kapir County turn up in large numbers to gain hands-on knowledge not only in coffee farming but also in the production of liquid soap, pesticides, and other income-generating activities.
Joseph Emuron, the Agricultural Officer of Kumi District, led the training session and assured the farmers that coffee can thrive in the region. "Coffee has a ready market and can fetch millions, but farmers must adopt proper biological methods of cultivation," he said.
Emuron emphasized that robusta coffee can grow well in deep, fertile loam, clay, or sandy soils, especially when planted under tree species such as Musizi and Grevillea, which provide the necessary shade to counter intense sunlight. However, he cautioned farmers about pests like the coffee twig borer and diseases such as twig wilt, advising them to seek guidance from nearby agricultural extension workers for proper pest management.
Dr. Cosmas Agewta, Executive Director of Cajila Africa Links Institute, encouraged farmers to embrace commercial agriculture by diversifying into high-value crops like coffee. “We want to change the mindset of farmers across the Teso sub-region and the country at large. Through commercial agriculture, farmers will gain a stronger voice in the market,” said Agewta.
He also commended the participation of Cajila members in Ngora, expressing optimism that such initiatives will uplift the livelihoods of rural communities through sustainable and profitable farming practices.
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