Tree planting key to healthier families, says DC
MUSOMA: THE government has urged residents of Musoma Municipality in Mara Region to embrace a culture of planting and caring for fruit and shade trees to conserve the environment, improve household nutrition and boost their livelihoods.
The call was made yesterday by Kisarawe District Commissioner, Mr Petro Magoti, during a visit to tree nurseries operated by the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) in Musoma Municipality.
Mr Magoti said tree planting was in line with President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to promote environmental conservation and increase the country’s tree cover.
During the visit, Mr Magoti received 50 tree seedlings from TFS and commended the agency for making quality planting materials available to communities to encourage environmental conservation.
The seedlings presented to him for planting at his residence included 10 grafted mango trees, ten avocado trees, ten Mivule shade trees, ten mahogany trees and ten teak trees.
He urged residents to take advantage of the availability of the seedlings, particularly during the rainy season, and ensure they were properly cared for until maturity.
Mr Magoti said planting fruit trees would not only improve household nutrition but also create income-generating opportunities through the sale of fruits.
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TFS Conservator, Mr Boniphace Kiberege, said the agency was implementing various initiatives to promote tree planting and environmental conservation through the establishment of tree nurseries.
He said TFS had established nurseries in areas including Serengeti and Tarime districts to ensure communities had access to different varieties of tree seedlings.
Mr Kiberege also highlighted the economic benefits of tree planting, noting that fruit trees could provide households with food and additional income, while other tree species contributed to environmental protection and the supply of timber.
He urged residents to develop a culture of planting and protecting trees, rather than concentrating solely on planting them without ensuring their survival.
