By Jovita Mirembe
Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) being the lead government agency mandated to oversee all the activities that run in the coffee sector, has continued to encourage citizens to plant coffee because it is one of the country’s cash crops.
UCDA is presently providing technical advice to expand coffee excellence by grouping coffee farmers as a way of promoting good agricultural practices and encouraging coffee cultivation as a practical enterprise.
Albert Kakande, a farmer and trainer in organic agricultural practices says that planting coffee is not an overnight wonder, it takes adequate preparation.
Planting coffee
He says that coffee seedlings should be planted at the onset of the rainy season, 2ft by 2ft large and at least 45-60cm deep.
According to coffee planting guidelines, the spacing is 10 by 10ft, 8 by 8ft, 6 by 6ft, 4 by 4ft, and 3ft by 9ft (Brazil spacing). It depends on what a farmer wants.
‘‘The holes should be dug three months prior to planting and put in manure like cow dung, goats or chicken droppings,’’ Kakande.
Kakande says that notably, in most coffee nursery beds, a seedling normally costs between sh1000 to sh2500 depending on its quality.
‘‘It is crucial in the initial stages to keep the plantation weed-free by mulching and using other mechanisms. Coffee starts to flower in nine to 12 months after planting, but full production is after three years,’’ Kakande says.
Shade trees and intercropping
Given the apparent effects of weather changes, it is recommended to plant shade trees. Some of the shade trees recommended are nitrogen fixing which enhances the fertility of the soil.
“Common tree species that can be planted as shades include grevillea and omugavu. A farmer can also intercropping the coffee plantation with beans, soya, or legumes like alfalfa or black bean,” says Kakande.
Returns
If you planted 1333 coffee trees on an acre, Kakande says you can harvest an average of 4kgs per tree under average management.
Maintenance and soil fertility
Kakande says that before applying fertilisers, a farmer should first test the soil for better application of fertilisers.
Kakande adds that if one wants to venture into coffee growing, he or she should have land and a water source. The project needs 60 per cent of water and 40 per cent of fertilisers.
He says that weeding, pest control, mulching, and pruning must be practised for better results.
