Kyela cocoa boom: Farmers urged to go commercial as prices rise

Dar es Salaam. Kyela's lush green hills, Tanzania's cocoa heartland, are brimming with opportunity.

Rising prices and government support are urging farmers to ditch subsistence farming and embrace commercial cocoa production.

Nestled in the Mbeya region, Kyela contributes a staggering 80 percent of Tanzania's cocoa harvest.

Yet, most farmers in this fertile land work small plots organically, selling directly from their farms. This scenario is changing.

Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr. Exaud Kigahe, recently visited Kyela, underscoring the government's dedication to improving the agricultural business environment. "We're finding markets for your crops, both local and international," he declared, "because you deserve to reap the benefits."

With cocoa prices enjoying a healthy jump from Sh9,800 to Sh10,000 per kilo, the call for commercialisation echoes even louder.

Mr. Kigahe encouraged extension officers to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills to boost production and profitability.

But cocoa's potential extends beyond bean sales. Mr. Kigahe envisions a future where Kyela harvests more than just crops.

He instructed SIDO and TIRDO to delve into research on creating value-added products like cocoa juice and modern alcoholic beverages.

The Warehouse Receipt System, hailed by Mr. Kigahe, is another beacon of hope for Kyela's farmers.

This system promises guaranteed markets and fair prices by incentivizing storage in certified warehouses.

Executive Director of the Warehouse Receipts System Board, Mr. Asangye Bangua, urged farmers to embrace this secure platform.

Kyela District Commissioner, Ms. Josephine Manase, echoed the call for quality and quantity. "Reliable markets depend on your participation in announced auctions," she emphasized, reminding farmers of the importance of meeting specified standards.