Morogoro takes up cloves as potential engine for growth
What you need to know:
- Morogoro's strategic aim of growing cloves has the potential to greatly boost farmer incomes and advance the socioeconomic development of the area.
Morogoro. Cloves cultivation in Morogoro has been hailed as a strategic endeavour that has the potential to significantly increase farmers' incomes and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the region.
Addressing reporters yesterday, the Sagcot manager of Kilombero Cluster, Mr John Banga, expressed enthusiasm about the reception of the new cash crop among farmers in Morogoro. He emphasised that cloves have the potential to transform the lives of farmers in the region.
“Since their introduction, cloves have attracted considerable interest among Morogoro farmers. Additionally, we are promoting avocado farming in areas suitable for clove cultivation,” explained Mr Banga, highlighting the economic benefits expected from cloves.
He noted the close collaboration between the Office of the Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Mr Adam Malima, and Sagcot to ensure farmers are adequately trained and equipped with the necessary skills for professional clove cultivation.
"Last year, in collaboration with Sagcot, the Office of the Regional Commissioner organised a study tour for 50 farmers to Zanzibar, where they received training on all stages of clove cultivation," Mr Banga added.
According to Mr Banga, the government has been actively providing farmers with vital information on markets, extension services, and farm inputs to enhance production.
The districts identified as suitable and fertile for cloves cultivation in Morogoro Region include Gairo, Mvomero, and Kilombero, which boast favourable climatic conditions for the crop.
"SAGCOT, in collaboration with partners such as IUCN, AWF, WWF, and development partners, has been working closely with farmers to increase clove production in Morogoro Region," Mr Banga stated.
He further highlighted that 350,000 clove seedlings have been produced for Morogoro District alone, with plans to distribute them to 5,000 smallholder farmers for planting.
"In Gairo District, we have identified 500 farmers, and 40 of them have already received training on best practices for clove cultivation," Mr Banga concluded.
