The Comoros Ministry of Agriculture has taken a significant step towards achieving its goal of producing over one million banana plants per year by 2027. As part of its agricultural development program, the ministry has distributed 3,500 banana plants to farmers on the island of Ndzuani. The distribution took place at two sites, including the Centre rural de développement économique (Crde) de Bungweni, where 2,000 plants were given to farmers in Sima and 1,500 to a cooperative of women in Milembeni.
The banana plants, which are of improved varieties resistant to heat, climate change, and pests, are expected to give high yields. According to Minister of Agriculture Dr. Daniel Ali Bandar, the plants are part of a broader effort to strengthen national production capacity through the use of in vitro culture laboratories. These laboratories, some of which are already in place while others are being installed, will enable the country to produce over one million banana plants per year.
The distribution of the banana plants is free of charge, a move aimed at reducing the burden on farmers and improving their working conditions. Minister Bandar emphasized that the ministry is committed to improving the livelihoods of farmers and women farmers. He noted that previously, a banana plant would cost between 2,000 and 4,000 francs, but the ministry is now providing them for free.
The director of national agricultural strategy and livestock, Dr. Mohamed Fouad Oussouf, said that the distribution of banana plants is just one stage of the program. He encouraged farmers to support each other in distributing the plants, which can produce up to 15 suckers. Dr. Oussouf also highlighted the goal of achieving food self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on other countries.
Dr. Abdou Azali Hamza, director general of the National Institute for Research in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment (Inrape), urged farmers to take ownership of the initiative. He encouraged the use of natural fertilizers, citing the negative consequences of chemical products. Inrape has a program to support training on the production and use of natural fertilizers, which will be implemented within two months.
The Ministry of Agriculture's program aims to promote the use of natural fertilizers and improve agricultural production in Comoros. By achieving self-sufficiency in food production, the country hopes to reduce its reliance on imports and ensure a stable food supply. The distribution of banana plants is a key part of this effort.
Key stakeholders, including farmers, cooperatives, and government officials, are working together to implement the Ministry of Agriculture's program. With the support of the government and international partners, Comoros aims to become self-sufficient in food production and improve the livelihoods of its farmers and rural communities.
Key points
- Distribution of 3,500 banana plants aims to boost production and achieve self-sufficiency.
- Ministry of Agriculture targets production of over one million banana plants per year by 2027.
- Initiative promotes use of natural fertilizers to improve agricultural production.
