In Tanzania, the Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (AGCOT) is set to launch in the upcoming fiscal year, aiming to transform the central zone into a mango production hub. This initiative, extending over 20 years, builds on the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) model. SAGCOT CEO Geoffrey Kirenga highlighted the central zone's potential for mango cultivation, noting, "The central zone can support vast mango production, a crop that stands as one of the country's high-value export foods."
AGCOT will focus on enhancing the production and productivity of strategic crops outlined in the government's agricultural master plan. The targeted zones include the Northern Zone (Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Tanga), Southern Zone (Lindi, Mtwara, Ruvuma), Central Zones (Dodoma, Singida, Tabora), and Lake Zone (Shinyanga, Mwanza, Geita, Simiyu, Mara, Kagera).
Kirenga pointed out the success of SAGCOT in Njombe with potato cultivation: "Before SAGCOT, no one in Njombe spoke about potatoes. Today, it is the leading region for potato production, exporting large quantities to Kenya." AGCOT aims to replicate such success, with 99% of investment from the private sector, focusing on improved agricultural practices, value addition, and market linkages.
The project blueprint is nearing completion, with financial requirements to be determined. AGCOT will work with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation, potentially revolutionizing the agriculture sector in Tanzania, starting with the mango industry in the central zone.
Source: The Guardian