Solar energy revolutionizing vegetable farming in Moro: A game-changer for farmers

By Lilian Kasenene

Morogoro--In areas where access to traditional electricity is limited or costly, solar energy is transforming lives and improving the livelihoods of farmers engaged in irrigation-based agriculture.

Renewable energy sources are enabling farmers to increase their productivity, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and improve the quality of their produce.

The positive impact of solar-powered irrigation can be seen in healthier crops, better income for farming families, and improved storage solutions for agricultural produce.

Farmers in Mindu and Magadu wards, within Morogoro Municipality, shared their experiences, challenges, and benefits with this transformative technology.

Jonathan Mshana, a vegetable farmer growing amaranth, spinach, and bell peppers, explained how changing climate conditions have reduced water availability. Many farmers, he said, rely on the Kasanga River, which runs dry during the dry season, making irrigation difficult.

“To sustain production, some of us have turned to solar-powered irrigation systems, drawing underground water from wells,” Mshana said. “This technology has provided us with consistent water supply, reducing production costs and improving the efficiency of farming operations.”

Mshana emphasized that solar energy is not just a source of power but a game-changer in modern agriculture. By using solar panels, farmers can power irrigation systems and even light up their farms, creating an enabling environment for higher yields.

“Solar energy is a lifeline for vegetable farming, especially for small-scale farmers like us,” Mshana added.

Benefits of solar-powered vegetable farming

The adoption of solar energy in vegetable farming offers several benefits, including job creation, especially in rural areas where vegetable farming employs a large segment of the population. It also promotes crop rotation by allowing farmers to interplant vegetables with cereals, enriching soil fertility and improving yields.

Additionally, crops such as beans, cabbage, and peas help restore soil nutrients and reduce erosion, while providing better nutrition and higher income for farming families.

Challenges farmers face

Despite its benefits, solar-powered farming is not without challenges. Farmers often struggle to find reliable markets for their produce, face competition from other suppliers, and lack market information. Halima Mkandele, a vegetable farmer, highlighted the issue of market access.

“It’s hard to sell my produce because of stiff competition and unreliable market structures,” she said. Mkandele suggested that farmers form cooperative societies to access better markets and called for capacity-building programs to train farmers in digital marketing and modern farming techniques.

Another challenge involves crop diseases and pests. Samson Samuel, who grows bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes, said pests and diseases significantly affect his yields, and many farmers lack sufficient knowledge to combat these problems.

Expert advice

Experts recommend raising seedlings in nurseries before transplanting them to the field to improve plant survival and reduce disease risks. Marcelina Lubuva, an agriculture expert from Sokoine University Graduate Entrepreneurs Cooperative (Sugeco), advises farmers to water crops early in the morning or late in the evening to retain soil moisture and minimize pest attacks.

“Nurseries allow seedlings to grow stronger before being moved to the main field,” Lubuva explained. “This practice not only boosts plant health but also reduces losses caused by pests.”

Kastuli Dalei, an agricultural engineer at Sugeco, said solar irrigation systems are a cost-effective and sustainable solution for small-scale farmers.

“Solar irrigation systems use solar energy to power water pumps, reducing fuel and electricity costs. They also minimize environmental impact and ensure water availability in areas without electricity,” Dalei said.

He added that since adopting solar-powered pumps, Sugeco has drastically reduced operational costs, urging more farmers to switch to solar for affordable and reliable irrigation.

Government efforts to support farmers

The Tanzanian government has been working to create an enabling environment for smallholder farmers by increasing access to agricultural resources, including solar technology. In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, the Ministry of Agriculture allocated TZS 970.8 billion to boost production, create jobs for youth and women, improve food security, and enhance market access.

However, challenges persist. Despite the availability of 727,280.6 hectares of irrigable land, many small-scale farmers face hurdles in adopting solar energy due to financial constraints and limited awareness of the technology’s benefits.

To address these issues, the government has been investing in irrigation projects and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. By combining expert advice with supportive policies, the nation aims to empower farmers and drive sustainable agricultural growth.

Solar energy remains a beacon of hope for vegetable farmers in Morogoro and beyond, offering a path toward increased productivity, lower costs, and a brighter future for rural communities.