PROJECT COTTON VICTORIA STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS WERE PLEASED WITH FARMERS' ADOPTION OF THE COTTON PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES.
- 11th July, 2024 12:27
- By DAUSON.MALELA
- News

Under
Project Cotton Victoria, a team of the ongoing steering committee in Mwanza,
Tanzania, on recently, paid a visit to Shinyanga to witness the adoption of
cotton technologies, including the new sowing spacing (60cm X 30cm), manual
trimming, fertilizer application, and agronomic practices regarding cotton
production.
Andrea
Maganga is a cotton-growing farmer in Sayu village in the Shinyanga region who
has adopted the mentioned agricultural technologies. "I used to harvest
300-500 with the previous 90cm X 40cm spacing, and now I am proud to have
harvested 1500 - 2200 depending on the weather change. This remarkable cotton
productivity has been achieved not only by applying the new spacing but also
other technologies like manual trimming and proper fertilizer
application," Andrea added.
Felipe
Garcia Gomes, Deputy Head of Mission, who came in the capacity of representing
the Ambassador of Brazil in Tanzania as Charge d'Affaires, congratulated the
farmers for the great job and for adopting the technologies.
On
his side, Mr. Marco Mtunga (Director
General - TCB) insisted that farmers proceed adhering to good agronomic
practices as well as applying the new sowing spacing recommended by
researchers. "TCB will continue to be hand in hand with cotton-growing
farmers by making sure that they get seeds, pesticides, and the extension
services required," Dr. Mtunga said. He also added that TCB is expecting
to hire 500 agricultural extension officers to reach more farmers with
agricultural services. Speaking about the fluctuation of cotton prices, Mtunga
urged farmers not to fear because the cotton price isn't a problem; the problem
is all about
productivity.
Moreover,
Dr. Paul Sabas Saidia (TARI Ukiriguru - Center Director and the National Cotton
Coordinator) said that TARI Ukiriguru has done a lot to ensure that cotton
productivity is improved. "It is the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute
which came up with new Cotton sowing spacing, Rafiki planter, fertilizer
application, as well as manual trimming," Saidia said.
Finally, the team visited Nguge AMCOSS located at Nguge village in Misungwi District where they got an opportunity to witness various operations executed, including buying cotton at the recommended price.