TANZANIA – The cultivation of cloves has emerged as a strategic crop in Morogoro region garnering widespread enthusiasm among local farmers.
John Banga, the SAGCOT Manager for Kilombero Cluster, expressed his optimism about the transformative impact of cloves on farmers’ lives and the economic landscape of the region.
Banga, speaking to reporters, emphasized the concerted efforts of the Morogoro Regional Commissioner’s office and SAGCOT in equipping farmers with the necessary skills for professional clove cultivation.
The collaboration included a study tour to Zanzibar, where 50 farmers were immersed in the intricacies of clove farming.
“Since the introduction of cloves in Morogoro, many farmers have been attracted to this new cash crop,” Banga affirmed, highlighting the coordinated initiatives to promote avocados in areas suitable for clove cultivation.
The government’s role in disseminating crucial information on markets, extension services, and farm inputs underscores a commitment to bolstering production.
The districts of Gairo, Mvomero, and Kilombero in Morogoro have been identified as fertile grounds for clove cultivation, benefiting from favorable climatic conditions.
Through partnerships with organizations like IUCN, AWF, WWF, and other development partners, SAGCOT has actively collaborated with farmers to boost clove production.
Banga disclosed, “As of today, we have produced 350,000 clove seedlings for Morogoro District alone, expected to be distributed to 5,000 smallholder farmers for planting.”
Additionally, Gairo District witnessed the training of 40 farmers in best practices for clove cultivation.
Meanwhile, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, recognized the pivotal role of cloves in Tanzania’s economic landscape, affirming the government’s commitment to enhancing market opportunities and elevating the quality of clove output.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Karafuu Investment House of Zanzibar State Trade Cooperation (ZSTC) in the Pemba Islands, President Samia stressed the importance of scientific cultivation to boost productivity.
“The demand for cloves in the international market is still high, so let’s increase our efforts to produce because we haven’t been able to satisfy those needs to date,” President Samia urged.
As part of the 60th-anniversary celebrations of the Zanzibar revolution, the Karafuu Investment House was inaugurated to streamline the sale of cloves for farmers, ensuring a more efficient process and addressing existing challenges.
President Samia revealed that the current average clove production stands at 1.4 tons per acre, emphasizing the need for improved productivity to meet international demands.
The government’s focus on upskilling opportunities leverages science and technology to position Tanzania as a major player in the global clove market.
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