ZSTC launches mobile payment system for clove farmers

ZANZIBAR: CLOVE farmers in Pemba have welcomed the launch of a new mobile-based payment and purchasing system by the Zanzibar State Trading Corporation (ZSTC), saying it has significantly reduced transport costs and eliminated the inconvenience of delivering produce to central buying stations.

The “Mobile Buying Centre” service, officially launched two months ago, allows ZSTC to purchase cloves directly from harvesting camps, bringing services closer to farmers.

“This system helps us save both time and transport expenses,” said Mr Kombo Hamad, a farmer in Kifundi, North Pemba, during a recent clove buying exercise.

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ZSTC Managing Director, Mr Soud Said Ali, said the initiative was introduced in response to challenges raised by farmers in past seasons.

“We are grateful to our government for supporting this farmer-centered approach,” he said.

During the event, Agriculture Officer Mr Khalfan Hamad Amour urged farmers to ensure the quality of their cloves by properly drying and cleaning them before sale.

ZSTC also advised farmers to avoid selling their produce through unofficial channels, emphasising that participation in the formal market helps protect their incomes and sustain the industry.