SHINYANGA: The Cotton Victoria Project has reported a notable increase in cotton cultivation, rising from 40 per cent 2023 to 42 per cent 2024.
This achievement was highlighted during a recent National Technical Committee held in Shinyanga region, aimed at evaluating the project progress across implemented regions.
During the meeting the Director of Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Ukiriguru centre Dr Paul Saidia, disclosed 217,061 out of 517,343 farmers in 11 regions have adopted the new planting method introduced by the project.
“We have seen significant increase from 40 percent to 42 per cent, thanks to the dedicated efforts of project participant”, he said.
He also announced the project’s goal to benefit 600,000 farmers and achieve a production of 20 tonnes of cotton in upcoming seasons.
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On his part, Acting Director General of Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB), Mr James Shimbe said the project has positively impacted farmers.
He also urged TARI’s researchers to intensify efforts in innovating the planting machine that will streamline planting activities in a recommended spacing.
The Project was established in 2016 under the partnership of Brazilian government with the aim of tackling challenges facing Cotton Sub-Sectors in the country.
The project is currently implemented in Mwanza, Simiyu, Geita, Mara, Shinyanga, Tabora, Katavi, Kigoma, Singida, Dodoma and Morogoro regions.