Coffee Farmers to Benefit from Assistance to Boost Production

The Coffee Industry Board (CIB) will be providing technical assistance to coffee farmers to boost production and productivity, so as to return the sector to profitability.
Director General of the CIB, Christopher Gentles, said that a number of fora will be held, which will equip farmers with the techniques to minimise crop losses.
“They (fora) will deal with proper use of pesticides, and engage persons in the industry on new technology in agriculture,” he told JIS News at the recently held Denbigh Agricultural Show in May Pen, Clarendon.
He said that the CIB had secured funding to purchase a number of pumps to facilitate the proper application of fertiliser. “With proper use, you can save up to 50 per cent to 60 per cent on your fertiliser cost. It also minimises the risk of leaching (of soil) and washing away of fertiliser from the surface,” he told JIS News.
In the meantime, Mr. Gentles said that the Board is looking at the marketing of Jamaican coffee, “and seeking those opportunities that will allow us to increase the attractiveness of our brand.”
“We are also looking at expanding lowland production, and will be looking at the re-naming of that region shortly,” he informed.
He said that the CIB has also designed projects to support non Blue Mountain Coffee, and the production of organic Blue Mountain Coffee. “If a farmer wants to grow organic coffee, that can be facilitated,” he stated.
The Director General advised that greater opportunities are available for players in the industry to gain more on their investments, and the CIB is ready and willing to provide assistance in that regard.