Uganda Coffee Exports To Rise

Wednesday, 15th December, 2010

UGANDA coffee exports are expected to rise 4.5% in December to 285,000 60-kg bags from the same period a year ago, a source at the state-run Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) said on Wednesday.

The east African nation, which predominantly cultivates the robusta variety, is ranked among the three largest producers in Africa.

“We think December exports will be significantly higher because it’s a peak month for the season and also there are large stocks in warehouses that will boost shipments,” the source said.
Uganda shipped 272,779 60-kg bags in the same month last year.

The source at UCDA said farm gate prices were generally good, which could motivate farmers to sell their crop.

“The farm gate prices are quite good and definitely farmers will want to cash in on that and also they want to offload stocks because they need lots of money for Christmas festivities and paying school fees early next year,” said the source.

Harvesting in taking place in central and eastern regions which jointly account for 55% of the country’s annual bean output.

The eastern region primarily cultivates Arabica while central produces robusta.

The New vision