The Government is set to distribute at least 500 million coffee seedlings to farmers this year, in its bid to boost coffee production in the country.
Speaking at Urru Stadium in Tigania West Constituency, Meru County, during coffee reforms sensitisation tour, Cooperatives, Micro and Small Enterprise (MSMEs) Cabinet Secretary (CS), Wycliffe Oparanya, said the seedlings were ready for planting and were only awaiting distribution to farmers.
“We already have the seedlings, including 300 million from Kenya Planters Cooperative Union and some more 200 million sourced from Uganda. We want farmers to increase acreages of coffee and in return increase our production,” said Mr Oparanya.
He, however, advised primary coffee cooperatives to liaise with their respective County governments to write proposals, entailing a variety of the seedlings they want before distribution.
“Distribution will only be done through primary cooperatives and that is why we want them to write proposals to know their specific need, since we have a variety of seedlings,” said Mr Oparanya.
Addressing the issue of coffee extension officers following requests by various speakers during the forum, the CS announced the Ministry’s plan to employ at least two officers, specifically for coffee farming per every ward in all the 47 Counties.
“The issue of extension officers lies with the County Governments, but since I understand the issues, they are facing, we have decided to employ these special officers who will include one male and female from all the wards, so that we can improve the state of coffee farming in the country,” said Mr Oparanya.
He added that the selected officers will be taken to KPCU for training on coffee issues, in order to offer informed services to farmers.
“The government is committed to implement various reforms to revive coffee farming just as promised by President William Ruto, during his campaigns. You should not listen to propaganda which is peddled by those who have been swindling your money all along,” said Mr Oparanya.
Principal Secretary (PS) for State Department for Cooperatives, Patrick Kilemi, said the programme aims to increase production, with 20 million coffee seedlings earmarked for distribution to farmers across all coffee growing regions annually.
He noted that Coffee Research Institute (CRI) and New KPCU will be entrusted with responsibility of propagating seedlings of high yielding coffee varieties.
PS stated that coffee production in the country is still low compared to other neighbouring coffee producing nations.
“Last year, Kenya produced 50,000 metric tons, while Uganda produced 400,000 metric tons and Ethiopia produced 750,000 metric tons of coffee.
We want our farmers to plant recommended coffee seedlings as we target to increase our production by more than ten times. Properly planted and well-nurtured coffee can produce more than 40 kilos per bush,” said Mr Kilemi.
He blamed old coffee bushes for low production, saying a coffee bush can only be properly productive for 20 years.
By Dickson Mwiti
