Tanzania: Researchers promote new cotton planting techniques to boost yields

Published Jun 19, 2024

Tridge summary

Dr. Paul Saidia, National Coordinator for Cotton and Director of TARI Ukiriguru Center, has advised cotton farmers in Morogoro to adopt new planting guidelines to boost their yield. During his visit to Ulanga and Mvomero Districts, he noted that the new method supports 44,444 plants per acre, which can potentially produce 1,400 kilograms or more per acre. He also highlighted the importance of farm maintenance 70 days post-planting. Additionally, Dr. Abdullah Mkiga, a researcher on the Cotton Victoria project, recommended reducing pesticide spraying speed due to the increased plant density. The visit aimed to identify locations for a farmer's field day to promote these new cotton farming techniques.

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Original content

Morogoro — National Coordinator for Cotton and Director of the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Ukiriguru Center, Dr Paul Saidia has urged Cotton farmers in Morogoro to adhere to the new cotton planting guidelines to increase yield. Dr Saidia made the call when addressing Cotton farmers during his visit along with TARI researchers from Ukiriguru Centre to Ulanga and Mvomero Districts, aimed at inspecting the progress of demonstration farms used for teaching the technology of cotton farming. He stated that the new planting method increases the number of plants in the field to 44,444 per acre, compared to the old method which 90 centimeters by 30 centimeters, resulted in not more than 15,000 plants. He noted that "In this planting method, a farmer can harvest from 1,400 kilograms and above per acre". Also Read: 'NFRA's plan to import sugar counterproductive' On other hand, Dr Saidia emphasised the new steps for maintaining the farm which he says that should be done 70 ...

Source: All Africa