Murang’a County Government has projected that its Coffee Lime Programme could increase coffee farmers’ earnings by an estimated Sh476 million per harvest season, following the distribution of agricultural lime aimed at improving soil health and boosting coffee production.
The initiative, implemented through the Department of Agriculture, Trade, Industrialization and Cooperative Development, has seen 9,917 bags of agricultural lime, each weighing 50 kilograms, distributed to coffee growers across the county.
Taking to his X account on Monday, Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata said the programme targets nearly two million coffee trees and is expected to improve yields by reducing soil acidity, enhancing nutrient absorption and increasing the effectiveness of fertilisers.
The county government estimates that improved soil conditions will lead to healthier coffee plants, higher productivity and increased returns for farmers, strengthening the role of coffee farming in Murang’a’s agricultural economy.
County projections indicate that the total lime distributed amounts to 495,850 kilograms, equivalent to 495,850,000 grams.
Based on the recommended application rate of 250 grams per coffee tree, the county estimates that the programme will reach approximately 1,983,400 coffee trees.
The county further projects that each treated tree will produce an additional two kilograms of coffee, resulting in an estimated 3,966,800 kilograms of extra production.
"Recommended application rate: 250 grams per coffee tree. 495,850,000 g ÷ 250 g = 1,983,400 coffee trees treated."
Using the average coffee price recorded during the last harvest season of Sh120 per kilogram, the county estimates that the additional production could translate into Sh476,016,000 in extra income for farmers during each harvest season.
"Estimated additional yield: 2 kg per treated tree. 1,983,400 trees x 2 kg = 3,966,800 kg of additional coffee."
The county says the programme has the potential to significantly improve returns to coffee growers while strengthening the long-term sustainability of coffee farming.
"Average coffee price (last season): Sh 120 per kg. 3,966,800 kg x Sh 120 = Sh 476,016,000."
The initiative is designed not only to increase production but also to address declining soil fertility, a challenge that has affected coffee yields in many growing areas.
The county government argues that improving soil conditions will enable coffee plants to utilise fertilisers more efficiently, leading to sustained productivity gains beyond a single harvest.
The programme forms part of the county's broader agricultural strategy to raise farmer incomes, improve productivity and strengthen the coffee value chain through targeted interventions that promote sustainable farming practices.