Coffee farmers across the country are ecstatic due to a significant surge in coffee prices.
The current farm gate price for a kilogram of Robusta coffee (FAQ or Kase) stands at Shs125,000, a substantial increase from Shs6,500 last year. Arabica coffee prices are similarly high. Farmers from regions such as Rwenzori, Greater Masaka, and Mt Elgon are thrilled with the high prices, which have motivated them to expand their coffee plantations.
As a result, coffee nursery bed operators are experiencing a boom in demand.
According to Mr. Joseph Nkandu, Executive Director of the National Union of Coffee Agribusiness and Farm Enterprises (NUCAFE), the global demand for coffee is on the rise. “More countries, including populous nations like China and South Korea, have shifted to drinking coffee. Even traditional large-producing countries like Brazil, which consumes 40% of its coffee, are experiencing increased consumption,” he explained. “In Uganda, our coffee consumption has also increased, driven by the growth of powder coffee-producing companies like NUCAFE Coffee, Kibinge Coffee, and others. I anticipate coffee prices to rise even further.”
The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) reported that coffee exports in February totaled 434,582 60-kilo bags, valued at $82.56 million.
This represents a higher value than last year’s exports, attributed to the prevailing high global coffee prices.
The Buganda Kingdom’s Mwanyi Terimba Programme has also contributed to the current coffee planting frenzy.
Many farmers are eagerly anticipating this coffee season as an opportunity to upgrade their lifestyles, purchase cars, improve their homes with new furniture and other items, pay tuition fees for their school-going children, and even acquire more land to expand their coffee plantations.
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