Sana'a: The Agricultural Cooperative Union in Al Mahwit Governorate launched an initiative to establish coffee dryers under the slogan 'Self-Sufficiency and Quality Improvement.' The initiative aims to strengthen the local coffee industry by enhancing production quality and market value.
According to Yemen News Agency, the initiative is being implemented with technical supervision from the Public Corporation for Coffee Development and Marketing at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. It is funded by the Agricultural and Fisheries Projects and Initiatives Financing Unit, in cooperation with Bonyan Development Foundation and the governorate's agriculture sector. The project is part of the broader coffee crop value chain program and utilizes locally sourced materials. In partnership with the multi-purpose cooperative associations of Jabal Al Mahwit and Hafash, the initiative will provide interest-free loans to benefit 100 farmers. These loans, coordinated with Al-Zahra Cooperative Association, will help farmers acquire drying equipment, thereby improving coffee quality and increasing its market value.
During the launch, Secretary-General of the Local Council Dr. Ali Al-Zaykam emphasized the significance of community initiatives in supporting coffee farmers. He encouraged enhanced production and post-harvest practices to improve the quality and competitiveness of local coffee. Dr. Al-Zaykam identified coffee as a priority crop for agricultural development in the governorate and advocated for expanded initiatives to empower farmers, providing them with modern methods for drying, storage, and marketing.
Ibrahim Al-Ghuwaidi, an official from the Agricultural Cooperative Union, highlighted that the initiative demonstrates the union's commitment to strengthening cooperative work and serving farmers by developing the coffee value chain from production through drying, packaging, and marketing. He noted that the use of local materials and interest-free loans underscores the importance of community partnerships in implementing agricultural projects, offering sustainable solutions to reduce losses and enhance coffee bean quality.
Abdulaziz Al-Musawba, the Bonyan Foundation coordinator in the governorate, underscored the importance of integrating official, community, and cooperative efforts to implement agricultural initiatives. He remarked that the foundation supports community-led projects that benefit farmers and promote local production and self-sufficiency.
Jabal Al Mahwit District Director Khamash Habish also highlighted the initiative's significance for local coffee farmers, particularly the drying stage, which is crucial for maintaining crop quality. He affirmed the local authority's readiness to facilitate the initiative and broaden its benefits.