Africa-Press – Angola. The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Francisco de Assis, revealed Thursday, in the province of Bengo, that Angola is working to create the first biotechnology laboratory for coffee.
When speaking at the opening of the 1st provincial coffee conference in Bengo, the government official highlighted that with the installation of the aforementioned laboratory, with its technical and human capital capabilities, coffee farming in Angola will take a significant leap forward.
Without revealing the type of program, he informed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is developing a broad program for coffee cultivation throughout the country, and that provinces such as Malanje, Cuanza Sul, Bié, Huambo and Huíla are making great progress in this sector. , mainly with Arabica coffee.
From an institutional point of view, the National Coffee Institute of Angola (INCA) is implementing a set of transformations to better support coffee growers, he said.
When referring to experiences shared with some producing countries, he considered it imperative to resize farms, so that properties can be developed and spaces shared with workers who must be seen as collaborators and partners.
Regarding coffee culture in Bengo, previously based on a colonization structure, he pointed out the need to adjust the production model and organizational form to the current reality.
“If we are not able to do this, our income, both from a cultural, social and economic point of view, will be compromised”, he stressed.
He recommended the inclusion of youth in the development of culture, as in many regions of the country the population linked to coffee is already aging.
He asked coffee growers to preserve the plants that, even after 50 years, still remain and produce.
“We need to work on these specimens (plants), maintaining the same genetics, reclassifying them again to realize how valuable the treasure we have in our hands is in this domain”, he highlighted.
Promoted by the Provincial Government, the 1st provincial coffee conference in Bengo, lasting one day, aims to publicize the potential of Robusta Coffee and create a space for exchanging experiences between several producing countries.
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