FIFTY seven groundnut growers in Pemba’s Kibokoni Shehia have undergone training on commercial groundnut farming, the House of Representatives heard here yesterday.
Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock Minister Shamata Shaame Khamis told the house that Kibokoni SACCOS and other stakeholders—the cooperative department and Chake Chake Agri-coop project—collaborated in the trainings, which continue under special farmer-to-farmer arrangement.
Minister Shamata was answering a question by Special Seats Representative Aza Januar Joseph who sought to know the government plans to support groundnut farmers in Pemba’s Kibokoni Shehia.
She said groundnut is becoming an essential and thriving cash crop in the island, arguing that farmers need the government support to prosper further.
The minister said the government in collaboration with other partners is working on a programme to boost groundnut production and enable growers to add value to their produce.
He informed the house that plans are underway to procure the processing machine that will enable the entrepreneurs to process groundnut oil and other products.
