- Oparanya urges MMUST to strengthen coffee value chain
- University asked to support research, training and certified seedlings
- Government seeks stronger collaboration to boost farmer earnings
Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has called on Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) to play a greater role in strengthening the coffee value chain in Western Kenya.
Oparanya said the university could contribute to the growth of the coffee sector through research, farmer training, production of certified coffee seedlings and promotion of local coffee consumption.
The CS made the remarks after engaging the university’s leadership, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Igosangwa Shibairo, on ways of improving coffee production and supporting farmers in the region.
He urged the university to focus on developing practical solutions that can help farmers increase production and improve the quality of their coffee. He also encouraged the university to strengthen research on coffee and help promote the consumption of locally produced coffee among Kenyans.
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The CS said the government would continue working with universities, the Coffee Research Institute and county governments to expand coffee production across the country. He added that stronger cooperation among the institutions would help improve extension services and ensure farmers receive the support and knowledge needed to increase their earnings.
The government’s efforts are also aimed at making coffee farming more attractive to farmers by addressing challenges affecting production and improving the value of coffee along the entire chain.
Oparanya said strengthening the coffee value chain would help boost production while improving incomes for farmers in Western Kenya and other coffee growing areas.
The engagement comes as the government seeks to promote agriculture and increase the contribution of coffee to the livelihoods of farmers.
By Bernard Magada
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