TANZANIA needs approximately 158 million tonnes of forage annually to ensure sustainable livestock management, according to Livestock and Fisheries Minister Abdallah Ulega.

During a visit to Juncao farms in Kibaha, Coast Region yesterday, Ulega highlighted that current forage production stands at only 109 million tonnes per year, resulting in a deficit of 49 million tonnes.

To address this, the government is focusing on the cultivation of Juncao grass as a key solution.

“Among the various pasture species under consideration, Juncao grass has emerged as a crucial focus. Tanzania has adopted Juncao technology to tackle agricultural challenges and promote sustainable development, particularly in the livestock sector,” he said.

He said following successful research projects by the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Simiyu, Kagera, Morogoro, and Coast regions, the government has begun cultivating Juncao grass at farms including Vikuge, Langwira, and Kongwa Ranch.

The farms act as Juncao grass multiplication centers where farmers can obtain cuttings for their own cultivation.

Ulega said following the success of research projects initiated by Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Simiyu, Kagera, Morogoro, and Coast regions, the Government has started cultivating Juncao grass in its farms such as Vikuge, Langwira, and Kongwa Ranch.

The farms serve as Juncao grass multiplication centers where farmers can obtain cuttings for cultivation on their farms.

Ulega emphasized the importance of the livestock sector in Tanzania’s agricultural industry, which encompasses approximately 46 million livestock units.

He expressed gratitude for the support from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the National Engineering Research Centre for Juncao Technology of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China.

Their collaboration has significantly contributed to the project's success, facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity building through international study tours, workshops, and online training.

He said the efforts have effectively advanced the utilization of Juncao technology in various areas such as agriculture, animal husbandry, environmental protection, and rural revitalisation.

Despite the advancements, Ulega acknowledged challenges in using Juncao grass, such as the lack of machinery for processing it into various forage products.

“We lack the necessary equipment for chopping and baling Juncao grass to make silage. While a few farmers have started producing silage, most do not have the required farm implements and technology,” he said.

During the tour, Ulega was accompanied by the Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, Ambassador Fu Cong, and Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) Li Junhua.