AT least one million clove plant-lets are set to be distributed and planted during the seasonal rains in Zanzibar in a bid to reclaim the Isles lost glory in the global market as the leading producer of the produce.
Agriculture, Natural Resources, Tourism,
Livestock and Fisheries Minister Hamad Rashid Mohamed noted this when
launching the exercise to supply the clove sprouts produced at
government- owned tree nurseries in Chakechake, Pemba.
Mr Hamad said that Zanzibar was firm in
ensuring that it improves clove production, and the only way was to
distribute the plant-lets to farmers in order to plant more clove trees.
He pointed out that clove production in
Zanzibar has recorded a significant decline because many clove trees got
old, a situation that led to top poor production.
The production of the crop in Unguja and
Pemba has declined considerably. Currently only between 4,500 and 5,600
tonnes are harvested despite having good prices.
On other hand, the cutting down of such
trees as an energy source has also been hampering the development of the
clove agriculture.
An official with the department of
agriculture and forestry, Mr Sihaba Vuai Haji, said they expect to give
out 256,245 plant-lets to farmers in Pemba during the first phase of the
distribution exercise. He further noted that another 28,000 plantlets
will be supplied to the government’s farms located in Pemba.
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