The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and the Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB) have teamed up to implement a project to promote cotton cultivation in the Morogoro region.
A part of the Cotton Victoria Project (CVP), this project aims to transform the area into the country's leading cotton hub, impacting over 600 farmers so far. James Shimbe, Acting Director, TCB notes, funded by the Brazilian government in partnership with TARI Ukiriguru, the project's launch has spurred many farmers to begin cultivating this economically significant crop.
Shimbe assures, TCB would continue to collaborate with TARI to boost cotton production across all eleven Tanzanian regions with potential for cultivation. Dr. Paul Saidia,Project Director and Director, TARI Ukiriguru Centre, notes, the ten essential principles for professional cotton cultivation include soil fertilisation management, new planting spacing, and overall plant management from planning to harvesting.
One significant change introduced by the project includes the adoption of new planting spaces—90 centimeters between rows and 30 centimeters between holes—allowing for approximately 44,444 cotton plants per acre. This method has led to bumper harvests and has attracted more farmers to cotton cultivation.
The project aims to establish multiple demonstration plots to help extension officers practically teach farmers the recommended cultivation practices. Thomas Tiluhongelwa, Project Head, CVP, highlights, the new planting techniques has enabled farmers in the region to achieve yields of up to 2,000 kg per acre. This impressive productivity has further encouraged more farmers to engage in cotton farming, he adds.
