Juncao technology helps reduce conflicts between farmers and herders

Dar es Salaam. Livestock and Fisheries Minister Abdallah Ulega has said the recently implemented Juncao fodder production technology is an appropriate solution to livestock fodder challenges including mitigating the conflicts between farmers and herders.

Mr Ulega made the statement on August 9, 2024, while guiding the United Nations (UN)’s delegation led by the UN Secretary-General's Assistant, Mr Earle Courtenay Rattray, to visit the government’s Juncao fodder seed farm in the Vikuge area of Kibaha District in Coast Region.

“A total of 178,262 kilogrammes of Juncao grass seeds have been planted in the 21-acre area of the farm between 2021 and 2024. Over 957 farmers have also joined the cultivation of grass in their respective farms, where it is at the various stages of growth,” said Mr Ulega.

He said the Juncao technology was part of the ‘Tutunzane Mvomero Programme' launched recently by Tanzania’s Sixth Phase President, Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Mr Ulega said the programme encouraged livestock keepers to grow fodder in their areas, conserve the environment, and reduce long-time conflicts between farmers and herders.

He thanked the UN for their great contribution to building the capacity of various experts of the ministry to acquire the Juncao grass cultivation technology.

“We have adopted this technology as a solution to our national fodder needs,” said Mr Ulega.

For his part, Mr Rattray expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the Juncao technology in the country.

He commended President Hassan for her willingness to embrace the technology for the benefit of the livestock subsector, farmers, and herders and the country at large.