TCB boosts coffee farming through irrigation

KILIMANJARO: THE Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) is intensifying efforts to make coffee farming sustainable through the introduction of irrigation systems.

This was said by TCB Public Relations Officer, Mikidadi Evod, during a press briefing to present the results of the 2025/26 Taste of Harvest Tanzania Coffee Competition, recently held in Mbeya region.

“Coffee continues to attract more clients worldwide. Tanzania is among the countries that produce high-quality coffee. Due to the economic importance of the coffee crop and its growing global demand, TCB has initiated plans to make coffee production sustainable through irrigation farming,”

he said, adding that the goal is to ensure coffee cultivation is practiced throughout the year.

Evod noted that, in pursuit of this objective, the board has successfully facilitated the drilling of 13 wells suitable for coffee irrigation farming.

“These wells have been drilled in coffee-producing areas, including Mbeya and Mbozi regions. Twelve of them are ready, while one is in the final stages of completion and will soon be operational,” he said.

Commenting on the competition, Evod said a total of 72 coffee samples, including Arabica and Robusta, were submitted.

In the Washed Arabica category, the first prize went to Amkeni Gourmet Coffee Group, followed by Wamacu Limited in second place and Karatu Coffee Estate in third.

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For the Natural Arabica category, Finagro Plantation Limited emerged victorious, with Edelweiss Oldeani Estate Limited in second place and Mazao Limited in third.

In the Honey Arabica category, Monduli took first place, followed by Utengule Estate in second.

“In the Experimental Arabica category, the winner was Finagro Plantation Limited, while Edelweiss Oldeani Estate Limited secured both second and third positions,” he added.

Regarding Robusta coffee, Juhudi Amcos claimed both first and second places, while Bumba Organic took third.

Evod continued to say that the winners of this year’s competition will represent Tanzania at the international coffee competition in Ethiopia, scheduled for February next year.

“I urge coffee farmers to participate in the Taste of Harvest competition, as it provides a platform for the world to witness Tanzania’s highest quality coffee,” he said.

He stressed that the initiative will help the country attract more coffee buyers in international markets, thereby improving the national economy and enhancing the livelihoods of coffee farmers.