Introduction

Uganda is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest coffee, with both Arabica and Robusta varieties thriving in its fertile highlands. At Zola Produce, we work closely with farmers to ensure high yields, superior quality, and sustainable practices that meet global market demands.

1. This guide covers:
   Best farming practicesfor maximum productivity
   Maintenance tips to keep your coffee plants healthy
   Harvesting & processing for premium-grade beans
   How buyers assess coffee quality

🌱 Best Farming Practices

1. Choosing the Right Variety

• Arabica (SL14/SL28):
  • Grows best at 1,500–2,300m altitude (e.g., Mount Elgon, Rwenzori)
  • Sensitive to pests but offers floral, fruity flavors
• Robusta (Kibale, Nganda):
  • Thrives at 900–1,500m altitude (e.g., Central, Western Uganda)
  • More disease-resistant with bold, chocolatey notes

2. Planting for Success

✅ Spacing:

• 2m x 2m for shade-grown systems
• 3m x 3m for full-sun plantations

✅ Intercropping:

• Plant with bananas, macadamia, or shade trees to:
  • Reduce soil erosion
  • Provide natural mulch
  • Generate extra income

✅ Soil Preparation:

• Test soil pH (ideal: 5.0–6.0)
• Add compost or manure before planting

🌿 Maintenance: Keeping Your Coffee Plants Thriving

1. Pruning for Higher Yields

✂️ Arabica:

• Single-stem pruning (remove suckers to focus growth)
• Desuckering every 3 months

✂️ Robusta:

• Agobiado system (bending branches to encourage fruiting)
• Annual pruning after harvest

2. Organic Pest & Disease Control

🐛 Coffee Berry Borer:

• Spray chili-garlic solution (blend 10 chilies + 5 garlic cloves in 1L water)
• Remove & burn infected cherries

🍂 Coffee Leaf Rust:

• Plant resistant varieties (e.g., SL14 for Arabica)
• Apply baking soda spray (1 tbsp per liter of water)

3. Fertilization for Healthy Growth

🌱 Natural Options:

• Coffee pulp compost (apply at the base during rains)
• Manure/vermicompost (boosts soil nutrients)

🌱 Commercial Fertilizers:

• NPK 17:17:17 (applied 3x yearly)

🌾 Harvesting & Processing for Premium Quality

1. Picking the Best Cherries

• Harvest only fully red cherries (no green/yellow ones)
• Sort carefully to avoid underripe or overripe beans

2. Processing Within 8 Hours

🚰 Washed Process (Arabica):

1. Depulp cherries
2. Ferment in water for 24–48 hours
3. Wash & sun-dry on raised beds

☀️ Natural/Dry Process (Robusta):

1. Sun-dry whole cherries for 2–3 weeks
2. Hull to remove dried husk

3. Proper Drying & Storage

• Sun-dry on raised beds (prevents mold)
• Moisture content must be 10–12%
• Store in grain-pro bags to maintain freshness

🔍 How Buyers Assess Coffee Quality

1. Visual Inspection

• Bean size & uniformity (Screen 15+ for Arabica)
• Zero defects (no black, broken, or insect-damaged beans)

2. Cupping Test (Flavor Profile)

☕ Arabica:

• Bright acidity (citrus, floral notes)
• Clean aftertaste

☕ Robusta:

• Full body (chocolate, nutty flavors)
• Low bitterness

3. Certifications Buyers Look For

• UTZ/RAINFOREST ALLIANCE (sustainability)
• Organic Certification (chemical-free)

📈 Success Story: Rwenzori Farmers Increase Profits by 40%

A cooperative in Kasese adopted:
✔ Selective picking (only red cherries)
✔ Raised-bed drying (reduced mold)
✔ Direct trade partnerships (better prices)

Result: Their coffee now sells at premium export rates!