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Kikwete calls for revival of sisal plantations
2008-07-18 10:35:24
By Lydia Shekigenda, Korogwe
President Jakaya Kikwete has challenged Tanga regional authorities to improve the economy by increasing efforts in sisal cultivation, which declined decades ago following dramatic market shift in developed countries to synthetic fibres.
Speaking during the launch of Sisal Energy Plant at Hale in Korogwe, Kikwete said if sisal production was revived, it would help increase revenue for Tanga Region as well as improve standard of living of the farmers.
He said demand for sisal had declined in previous years because of the importation of other products.
``It is high time cultivation of this crop is improved since its demand has increased. As you can see, it can now be used to generate energy, gas and its leftovers produce manure,`` he said.
He commended efforts by Common Funds for Commodities (CFC), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Katani Limited for establishing the sisal energy plant in Tanzania, which is unique across the world.
CFC Executive Director, Ambassador Ali Muchumo, said that in previous years, Tanzania was the leading world producer of sisal by producing 230,000 tones per year, but production had declined to 21,000 tonnes.
``Currently, production has increased to 32,000 tonnes in a drive to revive the crop,`` said Ambassador Machumo.
He said the sisal energy project was a challenge to farmers and business people to further increase production of the crop.
Executive Director of Katani Ltd, Salum Shamte, explained that the sisal energy plant has capacity to generate 150KW per day.
He said they expected to expand the generation to 500KW by next year and 1000KW by 2010.
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