Arabica Rises, Robusta Falls in Ibanda

Last updated: July 31, 2024 9:29 am

Coffee prices in Ibanda district have experienced a notable shift, with Arabica coffee seeing a significant increase while Robusta prices have fallen. According to a mini-survey by New Vision, the price for Arabica coffee has risen by sh1,000 per kilogram over the past two weeks, reaching sh13,500. This increase follows a previous price of sh12,500 on June 10.

The rise in Arabica coffee prices is attributed to a shortage in supply. The current scarcity is due to the coffee being out of season, with the next harvest expected to begin in September. Godwin Musinguzi, a coffee buyer in Igorora town, confirmed that Arabica coffee is “scarce” at the moment.

In contrast, Robusta coffee prices have decreased by sh700. The price for Robusta coffee has dropped to sh12,800 per kilogram in Ibanda town from sh13,500 in mid-July and sh13,000 on June 10. In Igorora Town Council, Ibanda South County, Robusta coffee is priced at sh12,000 per kilogram, down from sh12,500 previously.

Traders and coffee cooperatives attribute the drop in Robusta prices to the end of the harvest season. Deogratias Tihwayo from the Nyakatookye Coffee Growers Cooperative Society explained that the lower quality of beans and reduced market activity have led to decreased prices. He noted that many coffee processing plants have closed, leading to a minimal supply of beans.

When the harvest season concludes, the number of active buyers in the market drops, which further depresses prices. This seasonal fluctuation affects the overall coffee market, impacting both farmers and traders.

According to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), the indicative prices for this week are as follows:

Fair Average Quality (FAQ): sh12,000 to sh13,000 per kilogram
Kiboko: sh5,500 to sh6,000 per kilogram
Arabica Parchment: sh13,000 to sh13,500 per kilogram
Drugar Coffee (clean): sh11,500 to sh12,000 per kilogram

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