Uganda coffee production expected to quadruple in coming years

Uganda, largest coffee exporter in Africa, predicts quadruple coffee production in coming years to capitalize on the increasing global consumption and increase revenues with product shipment, said yesterday the country's president, Yoweri Museveni.
The East African nation plans to increase production to at least 12 million bags of 60 pounds over the medium term, compared to the current 3 million bags. The government is also exploring opportunities to add value to coffees and maximize returns.
Yoweri Museveni made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the International Coffee Organization (ICO) in Kampala, Uganda’s capital. According to the president, part of the national strategy to expand coffee production is replacing old plants with new ones. Most crops in the country have more than 40 years, making them less productive.
Uganda expect to plant at least 20 million high-yield new trees every year until 2020 to meet the production target.
Coffee is the second largest source of revenue for Uganda, after tourism. The country exports almost all production of green coffee beans, mainly for the European Union, United States and Asian markets.
In the season 2012/13 is expected a growth of at least 10% compared to the previous period, reaching about 3 million bags.
Source: Revista Cafeicultura