Kagera Regional Commissioner Fatma Mwassa acknowledged the efforts of Bukoba Investment Group (BIG) in promoting avocado cultivation as a regional economic initiative in Tanzania. Speaking at the launch of a 30-hectare farm in Muyenje Village, Muleba District, the RC, represented by Deputy Regional Administrative Secretary Bwai Biseko, endorsed BIG's work and reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the sector.
Mr. Biseko commented on the group's progress: "After visiting the farm at Muyenje, I am impressed by the progress made." He stressed the importance of support from agricultural extension officers to guide local farmers and boost avocado productivity. During the 2023/2024 season, Kagera produced 9,800 tons of avocados, involving 1,425 farmers, with Ngara District leading production at 5,000 tons.
BIG Board Chairman Mike Nshangeki explained that the group includes 250 members, including participants from the diaspora. Investments of 296 million Tanzanian shillings have been directed toward avocado projects across 20 hectares in Muyenje Village and 10 hectares in Buyaga Village. Agricultural loans totaling 3.339 billion shillings (US$1.29 million) support these developments, as BIG aims to expand avocado cultivation to 405 hectares over the next decade.
Nshangeki also noted several operational challenges, such as limited availability of suitable land, unreliable electricity, high costs of irrigation pond construction, and a lack of cold storage facilities. To promote sustainability and broader smallholder participation, BIG is developing an avocado out-grower scheme that will multiply improved Hass avocado varieties and distribute them to local farmers at subsidized rates.
Source: Daily News
