agriculture 5 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Beware of Substandard Seedlings: Why Certified Coffee Nurseries Matter
Farmers are being urged to purchase coffee seedlings exclusively from certified nursery operators to avoid significant losses from substandard plants. Many uncertified operators lack the necessary knowledge, leading to poor yields and costly replanting. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/farming/why-you-should-only-buy-coffee-seedlings-from-certified-nursery-operators-5486882
Coffee farmers across Uganda are facing a growing challenge: the prevalence of substandard coffee seedlings on the market. Retired agriculture officer Eriya Ssembajwe Ssuubi warns that a lack of proper supervision and the high demand for seedlings has created a “time bomb” for unsuspecting growers.
Many individuals operating as coffee nursery operators possess limited knowledge about different coffee varieties, soil requirements, and proper propagation techniques. This deficit can lead farmers into planting seedlings that will not yield well, often a realization that only comes after several years of investment and effort.
Abdul Kato Ssembiro, a farmer from Wakiso District, experienced this firsthand. After investing heavily in a coffee garden, he found his trees produced very little coffee, even with diligent care. Experts identified the issue as a mix of poor quality and unsuitable coffee varieties. Ssembiro was forced to uproot over 800 plants, costing him a significant amount of money, and advised to seek out certified sources.
To ensure quality, especially for Robusta coffee seedlings, farmers should look for nursery operators with well-established facilities. This includes a dedicated nursery shed, a reliable water source, proper hardening and rooting sheds, an office, a store, and a mother garden for cuttings.
Edward Bazira, a former supervisor with the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, emphasizes that certified nurseries must adhere to strict procedures. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) is responsible for inspecting and issuing certificates. These certificates should be prominently displayed, and different coffee varieties clearly marked.
While government initiatives have previously supported the distribution of seedlings from certified operators, the overwhelming demand has sometimes led to scaled-down programs. Therefore, farmers must take personal responsibility to seek expert advice from extension workers and experienced growers to identify legitimate, certified nursery operators and protect their investments.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)