The Chief Administrative Officer of Kitagwenda District, Moses Diliri , has called on agricultural extension workers to intensify efforts in guiding farmers on proper coffee management and production in order to boost household incomes and strengthen the district’s economy.
Diliri said coffee remains the leading income-generating enterprise in the district and requires committed technical support from extension workers to help farmers improve both production and quality.
He expressed concern over the performance of some extension workers, saying inadequate field engagement has created gaps in agricultural service delivery across the district.
“Extension workers are not performing as expected, and this has left significant gaps in service delivery within the agriculture sector,” Diliri said.
According to the Chief Administrative Officer, Kitagwenda District currently produces approximately 21,000 tons of coffee annually. He revealed that district leaders have set a target of increasing production to more than 30,000 tons in the coming years.
“With the district targeting to produce over 30,000 tons of coffee annually in the near future, extension workers must actively engage farmers and equip them with modern coffee farming methods,” he emphasized.
Diliri urged agricultural officers to continuously educate farmers on proper planting techniques, pest and disease control, pruning, soil management, and post-harvest handling practices to ensure the production of high-quality coffee capable of competing favorably on the market.
He noted that improving both the quality and quantity of coffee production would not only increase farmers’ earnings but also contribute to poverty reduction and economic transformation within the district.
“When farmers adopt modern farming methods and proper post-harvest handling practices, they will earn more from coffee and improve their livelihoods,” he added.
District leaders have recently intensified campaigns encouraging farmers to embrace commercial agriculture, with coffee growing identified as one of the key enterprises capable of transforming household incomes and strengthening the local economy.