Coffee farming can be very expensive if not done correctly. Not controlling all the factors that affect the profitability of the farm may lead to losses. Many elements decrease coffee production. Many farmers are not aware of the opportunities they are missing because they do not know the huge impact of reducing farming costs.
Here are some of the typical mistakes farmers make in coffee farming.
Delaying harvesting
The harvesting day is an essential factor that affects the berries’ quality and yield. When you harvest on time, you get good-quality, well-ripe berries. Delayed harvesting leads to over-ripping of berries and a decline in quality.
Not controlling weeds
The growth of weeds on the farm is a great danger to the crop. Leaving the weeds uncontrolled on the farm increases the chances that your crops will not grow healthy. Weeds are great nutrient competitors with the coffee plant. They compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients needed to grow healthy crops.
Weeding should always be done during the initial stages of crop growth. Herbicides can also be applied to control it.
Poor fertilizer application
Fertilizer is food for the crop and should be applied at different stages on the farm to enable the crop to grow healthy. Proper soil analysis should be carried out at different sites across the farm. This will enable the farmer to know the suitable fertilizers to use on the farm and develop a good fertiliser application plan in different regimes.
Application of wrong chemicals
Protection against pests, weeds and diseases is very important. Some farmers spend a lot of money purchasing ineffective chemicals to kill and control pests and diseases. Farmers should analyze and research the best and most effective chemicals to use to protect their crops on the farm. Read Also: Why Ruiru 11 is the best variety.
Poor pruning
Pruning is a way of preparing the coffee tree for the next season’s yield. Poor pruning means few flowers count and beans. This accounts for over 30% of the yield reduction. The farmer should ensure pruning is done professionally at the right time.
Lack of irrigation
As climate change has encroached on more coffee zones, desertification has led to delayed rainfall and reduced water available for irrigation. Ruiru 11, a good yielder, has fibrous roots and requires a lot of water to sustain the high yield.
There will be profits in coffee farming if everything is done well, from planting to milling.
