Smiles as cloves prices increase despite drop in production
Unguja. Clove farmers in Zanzibar are now elated as the price per kilo of the crop is set to increase this buying season, dependent on its quality.
The only downside is that the production of this key commercial crop has witnessed a significant decline from 7,840.8 tonnes in 2021 to 4,734 tonnes in 2022.
Trade and Industry Development Minister Omar Said Shaaban told reporters yesterday that official clove-buying centres have been opened in Unguja and Pemba.
He urged farmers to sell their cloves to the Zanzibar State Trading Corporation (ZSTC), which will open clove-selling centres on August 3 this year.
Mr Shaaban emphasised the government’s commitment to boost farmers’ incomes through increased clove prices, discouraging smuggling, and stressing the importance of selling cloves at official centres for the benefit of individuals and the nation.
The new prices are as follows: grade one cloves at Sh15,000 per kilo (previously Sh14,000), grade two cloves at Sh13,500 per kilo (previously Sh13,000), and third-grade cloves at Sh12,500 per kilo (previously Sh12,000).
The price for the lowest grade of the crop remains at Sh7,000 per kilo.
While the price increase brings relief to clove farmers, the decline in production poses a challenge for the sector.
“The corporation is well positioned to pay farmers their money in cash through banking electronic systems and through phone networks for a small amount of cloves,” said the minister, assuring farmers of swift and convenient payment methods.
While the price increase brings relief to clove farmers, the decline in production poses a challenge for the sector. The government’s efforts to support farmers and maintain clove trade within Tanzania remain crucial to securing the industry’s future prosperity.
Grade two cloves will be sold for Sh13,500 per kilo from Sh13,000, third grade (Sh12,500 from Sh12,000) and the price of the lowest grade of the crop remain at Sh7000 per kilo.
“The corporation is well positioned to pay farmers their moneys in cash through banking electronic systems and through phone networks for a small amount of cloves,” said the minister.
