The Government of Kenya intends to triple coffee production from 50,000 to 150,000 metric tonnes by 2028, with Sh500 million allocated to support this initiative. Training for about 5,000 potential farmers is underway in Kakamega County. The government aims to enhance the coffee sector’s contribution to the economy while advocating for crop diversification among farmers.
The Government of Kenya aims to substantially increase coffee production from the current 50,000 metric tonnes to 150,000 metric tonnes by 2028. Cooperatives, Micro, Small, Medium and Enterprises Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya announced this initiative during a forum held in Kakamega County, highlighting coffee’s potential as a transformative crop in the agricultural sector.
To support this initiative, the government has allocated Sh500 million in this year’s budget to enhance both the coffee and dairy sectors. The program includes free training for approximately 5,000 prospective coffee farmers, along with the distribution of certified coffee seedlings. Kakamega County will serve as the pilot region for this project.
During the forum, Oparanya mentioned plans to train at least 1,200 youth and women in Kakamega on effective coffee farming practices. He encouraged farmers to unite in cooperatives to tap into government resources and support. Currently, 1,700 farmers have prepared 1,400 acres in Likuyani Sub County for coffee cultivation.
Furthermore, the government has established the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund (CCARF) to provide smallholder coffee farmers with affordable and sustainable financial assistance. However, Oparanya expressed concern over Kakamega County’s low allocation of Sh1.7 million from the Cherry Fund, while Bungoma County received a significant portion of the Sh7.7 billion allocated to coffee farmers nationwide.
Oparanya urged farmers in Western Kenya to diversify their crops, emphasizing that coffee can significantly alleviate poverty in the region. He remarked, “We are not forcing anybody to plant coffee, but I can assure you that coffee is a game changer that can help tackle high poverty levels in this region.”
The CS also cited the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU) as a key player in revitalizing coffee farming and marketing Kenyan coffee on a global scale, alongside providing warehousing and milling services.
In conclusion, the Government’s initiative to enhance coffee production in Kenya signifies a strategic move to bolster the agricultural sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods. By training new farmers and supporting cooperatives, the initiative aims to create a sustainable coffee industry that thrives both locally and in international markets.
The Government of Kenya’s plan to triple coffee production by 2028 highlights its commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector, particularly the coffee industry. By providing financial support, training, and encouraging cooperative farming, the government aims to enhance sustainable coffee cultivation, thereby improving economic conditions for farmers in the region. This initiative could serve as a valuable model for agricultural development in other regions of the country.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
