Coffee prices continue to rise in Ibanda
Coffee prices have continued to rise in Ibanda district over the past three months. Robusta (clean) now goes for sh10,700 per kilogramme in Ibanda town, increasing from sh10,200 at the end of January. It costs sh10,500 in Bisheshe compared to sh10,000 two weeks ago.
This also shows a rise sh9,200 on January 15, and from sh8,700 at the beginning of December last year.
Prices for Arabica coffee beans have also inched up, trading at sh10,200 per kilogramme in Bisheshe and Ibanda town, indicating an increase from sh10,000 at the beginning of February.
Arabica was at sh8,000 per kilo at the start of December 2023.
However, traders project robusta coffee prices to drop over the next weeks as its harvest season comes to an end.
Meanwhile, the Arabica coffee prices are being supported by increased supply and quality beans coming to the market, says Patience Katunge Akampa, from Bisheshe Cooperative Society.
According to Tihwayo, the chairperson of Nyakatookye Coffee Growers Cooperative Society, the flowering for Arabica coffee wasn’t good in most parts in the district, a pointer to low output this harvest season.
The Arabica coffee season has just started in Ibanda district, while that of robusta is ending.
David Kiiza, a farmer in Katafaari, Kashangura in Kagongo Division, said the good prices have boosted the morale of farmers. He added that has encouraged them to look after the coffee as per recommended coffee husbandry practices to ensure quality.
