SOROTI FARMERS EMBARK ON KNOWLEDGE OF COFFEE PRODUCTION

A team of 26 farmers from Adamasiko and Ojom parishes, Soroti District, has embarked on a transformative mission to better their knowledge of coffee production.

The majority of the farmers, members of the Einere Kede Aswam Farm Group, earlier Monday, this week traveled to Kalaki District to learn from an established coffee farmer in Apapai sub-county.

The visit was led by the District Chairperson of Soroti District Local Government, Hon. Edoru Simon Peter Ekuu, to expose farmers to best practices in coffee cultivation and management. "Coffee is not just a crop; it's a pathway to improved livelihoods and economic empowerment," Hon. Edoru said.

We aim to equip farmers with the skills required to exploit this cash crop to its fullest potential. With appropriate techniques, coffee farming can uplift entire communities.

During the visit, the host farmer shared critical aspects of coffee production: site selection, soil preparation, planting techniques, and the importance of shade management for optimal growth.

Hon. Edoru added his voice to the call for soil health: "Healthy soils are the backbone of farming. Farmers must invest in proper soil testing and use organic methods to retain fertility."

Stephen Opio, the chairperson of the Einere Kede Aswam Farm Group, sounded optimistic about the initiative: "We recognize the potential of coffee to transform our economic prospects.

This has been an eye-opener, and we are committed to adopting these practices back home. With coffee, we can move from subsistence farming to a more profitable venture," he said.

The farmers were particularly impressed by the host's use of organic farming methods and his innovative approach to accessing local and international markets.

They learned how cooperatives can strengthen bargaining power and guarantee fair prices to coffee growers. Opio added,

 "Forming cooperatives will not only improve our market access but also help us share resources and knowledge. It's a vital step forward."

Carolean Akello, one of the farmers, said she was excited because she had learned about the importance of spacing, timely harvesting, and value addition. She noted that the knowledge would help her improve yield and quality of coffee.

Besides the practical show-and-tell, the visit covered discussions of environmental and social dividends emanating from coffee farming. The host farmer highlighted how the cultivation of coffee can result in reforestation and climate resilience, at the same time opening up livelihood opportunities for rural communities.

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By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti.