Agricultural authorities in Morogoro have intensified efforts to strengthen pest and disease management in cashew farming by equipping extension officers with practical skills that will be passed on to farmers, as Tanzania seeks to raise national cashew production to one million tonnes.
Speaking during a field training session at a cashew farm in Morogoro, Mtwara Agricultural Training Institute lecturer Joseph Mkude said effective extension services are critical to helping farmers adopt recommended agronomic practices and minimise crop losses.
He warned that inadequate control of pests and diseases can reduce cashew yields by as much as 70 per cent, underscoring the need for continuous farmer education and regular monitoring of orchards.
"Extension officers are the link between research and farmers. Ensuring they have the right knowledge is essential for improving productivity and protecting farmers' investments," Mkude said.
He noted that pests and diseases remain among the biggest constraints facing Tanzania's cashew industry, making timely advisory services and field supervision indispensable for improving both yields and nut quality.
Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) researcher George Lucas said increased use of improved planting materials, regular field inspections and effective disease management are key to enhancing productivity.
He added that researchers are developing new technologies and management practices to help farmers cope with the growing challenges posed by climate change and emerging pest infestations.
Cashew Board of Tanzania agricultural officer for Morogoro, Edson Mbande, called on extension officers to ensure that technical knowledge reaches farmers in every cashew-growing community to improve production and quality standards.
Meanwhile, Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) agricultural officer Kaizer Kaluwa advised farmers to prepare their orchards properly and apply recommended pesticides at the appropriate time to effectively control pests and diseases.
He said stronger collaboration between extension officers, research institutions and farmers would speed up the adoption of improved technologies, ultimately increasing productivity and boosting household incomes.
Mlali Ward Agricultural Officer Amanda Hilary said the training would be cascaded to farmers through village-level extension programmes, demonstrations and regular farm visits to promote best practices in cashew cultivation.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve productivity in Tanzania's cashew sector, one of the country's leading agricultural export industries.
