PESTS ATTACK COFFEE PLANTATIONS IN KASESE

BY KAGUTA JOEL
IN KASESE——–

Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and National Union of Coffee Agribusiness and Farm Enterprises-NUCAFE have discovered pests and diseases in coffee demonstration farms in Bukonzo West constituency Kasese district.

During on-spot survey conducted by UCDA, they found out that mill bug and coffee leaf rust have attacked coffee plantations in the district.

Seezi Bwambale, a model farmer from Kisaka village Bwera sub-county told a team that visited his one acre plantation had been applying recommendable pesticides but could not solve the problem.

UCDA has said pests and diseases are affecting production of coffee in the region which is hampering exportation of the product.
Coffee is the leading Uganda’s export.
Former Defence minister who doubles as a model farmer Dr. Cripus Kiyonga said the ministry of agriculture should start training farmers at all stages to ride out the disease.

Julius Kambasu, the Regional Coffee Extension Officer in-charge of Kasese district advised farmers attain coffee development extension services to increase coffee production in the region.