Sana'a - Saba:
Experts and researchers have stressed the importance of establishing a specialized and advanced system to enhance the productivity and quality of coffee, strengthening its competitiveness in both local and international markets by leveraging its unique characteristics and long-standing reputation.
During their participation in the Coffee Business Clinic, also known as the "Consultation Tent," as part of the Sana’a International Coffee Exhibition, they highlighted that the clinic aims to provide information, guidance, and advisory services to exhibitors, including farmers, trading companies, exporters, university students, and researchers.
Dr. Amin Al-Azab, senior expert at the National Center for Coffee Research, explained that the clinic, managed by a group of academics, researchers, and coffee specialists, operates in two key areas: one focused on commercial coffee marketing and entrepreneurship, and the other on coffee seedling cultivation, care, and production.
He noted that the clinic offers consultations on seedling production, coffee tree cultivation, pest control (both in farms and storage facilities), proper harvesting and post-harvest handling, marketing, exporting, and even launching small-scale coffee businesses. It also provides guidance on evaluating coffee quality, identifying different coffee varieties, and understanding the unique processing methods for each type.
Dr. Al-Azab added that the Coffee Business Clinic also covers key aspects of roasting techniques, production processes, and challenges facing coffee farming in different regions. This information helps establish a precise and detailed database on coffee cultivation and production across various provinces in Yemen.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Rashid, Director of Coffee Affairs in the Dhamar Agricultural Sector and a supervisory team member, stated that the clinic focuses on providing guidance from variety selection to post-harvest handling, covering planting seasons, farming techniques, and best practices for coffee production and marketing.
He emphasized that these guidelines help protect farmers from losses by educating them on proper agricultural methods and ensuring adherence to best farming practices suited to different regions.
Engineer Rashid also underscored the importance of holding a seminar after the conclusion of the Sana’a International Coffee Exhibition, bringing together farmers, exporters, local traders, agricultural associations, and coffee business stakeholders to discuss key outcomes and strategies for developing this vital economic sector.
For his part, Mohammed Hassan, President of the Union of Coffee Producers’ Associations, described the Coffee Business Clinic as an essential educational and advisory platform aimed at increasing production and improving quality to enhance market competitiveness.
He highlighted that the exhibition features various promotional activities, serving as an opportunity for the public to learn about Yemeni coffee products and facilitating knowledge exchange among participants. The event has attracted over 250 representatives from leading companies, associations, and coffee producers, as well as institutions involved in the coffee trade.
It is worth noting that the Sana’a International Coffee Exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, in collaboration with the General Corporation for Coffee Development and Marketing and funded by the Agricultural and Fisheries Production Promotion Fund, includes promotional activities to spread awareness of Yemeni coffee culture and highlight the significance of coffee cultivation.
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