Africa-Press – Tanzania. ZANZIBAR government has expressed its commitment to throw its weight behind massive production of clove seedlings to meet its target of producing 10,000 tonnes of cloves come 2025.
Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock Mr Soud Nahoda Hassan made the commitment this week before the Zanzibar State Trade Corporation (ZSTC) during the event to receive nursery equipment including seedling bags and trays.
“We had a challenge in getting nursery equipment but we are happy for the donation,” the Minister expressed gratitude to ZSTC after receiving the equipment aimed at boosting production of clove seedlings.
He said the ministry is committed to work with ZSTC to increase production of cloves, one of the major cash crops which contributes significantly to the government income.
Zanzibar experienced a bumper harvest of the crop in 2017 with over 8,000 metric tonnes compared to 3,000 tonnes produced last year. The target is to produce 10,000 tonnes come 2025.
The Minister said the equipment will be distributed to different nursery sites in Unguja and Pemba, “We are committed to ensure production of seedlings to farmers is carried out massively.”
The minister said President Hussein Mwinyi has been insisting on collaboration among institutions to increase production of cloves because it has high demand in the global market.
Mr Hassan promised to continue providing clove seedlings for free to farmers to motivate them to plant the crop while also urging farmers and members of the public to protect forests by planting more trees to conserve the environment.
The donated equipment by ZSTC include seedling bags valued at more than 25m/-.
The Minister appealed to executives in the ministry and departments to take care of the equipment so that they can last longer and benefit more farmers.
ZSTC Executive Director Dr Said Seif Mzee informed the gathering during the event held at the ministry’s premises at Maruhubi area that the donation is meant to beef up production of seedlings to at least 1 million annually.
“We must strengthen collaboration to improve clove production and sustain its trade status in the World Market,” Dr Mzee as the Head of the cloves nursery in Kivunge village, North Unguja thanked the government for the continued support.
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