The government is preparing to distribute free coffee fertiliser to smallholder farmers in selected districts, in an intervention aimed at increasing yields and boosting national production.

More than 27 truckloads of fertiliser have already been offloaded in Entebbe and are awaiting distribution to different parts of the country.

The initiative comes as Uganda seeks to expand coffee production and strengthen its position in the global market, while farmers continue to face high input costs that constrain their ability to improve yields.

Government has contracted Intracom Fertilizers to supply and distribute organic fertilisers for three major cash crops -- coffee, cocoa and tea -- to smallholder farmers in various districts.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

Jean Luc Bigirimana, Intracom Fertilizers country director, said the company had completed its part of the process and that the Ministry of Agriculture was responsible for distribution.

"We have played our part as Intracom, the fertilisers are here. The distribution is for the Ministry of Agriculture," Bigirimana said.

He added that the company was committed to working with government to ensure the fertiliser is delivered to the designated districts on time.

Intracom Head of Agronomy Rodgers Bashabe said the organic fertiliser contains nutrients that support plant growth and can improve coffee bean development when properly applied.

"The organic fertiliser is rich in nutrients and, when properly applied, helps farmers produce healthy plants and bigger coffee beans," Bashabe said.

The Ministry of Agriculture is expected to oversee distribution and ensure the fertiliser reaches the intended beneficiaries, particularly smallholder farmers.