Arabica coffee disease on the rise

COFFEE berry disease and leaf rust which often affect Arabica coffee, are on the raise, the National Crops Resources Research Institute has said.

Speaking to journalists recently, the head of the Coffee Research Centre at Kituza in Mukono, Dr. Africano Kangire, disclosed that the diseases are affecting yields and require agent attention.

In Uganda, Arabica coffee crop constitutes 20% and Robusta 80% Arabica is grown in highland areas including Nebbi, Kasese, Mt Rwenzori and Elgon, while Robusta grows better in low areas.

“The coffee industry is faced with challenges including global warming that has resulted into drought in a few areas. If global temperatures raise, Uganda would lose up to 80% of Robusta coffee,” Kangire said.