Over 836 farmers remove khat from their farms
The Khat plant which is traded in the northern reagions .
What you need to know:
The farmers reached the decision few days since Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa directed Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Amos Makala to deal with those engaged in the illegal farming.
Moshi. About 836 farmers from among 1,300, who engaged in Khat farming in Same District have decided to uproot the crop from their farms.
The farmers reached the decision few days since Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa directed Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Amos Makala to deal with those engaged in the illegal farming.
The Prime Minister’s directive was given on January 30 at a state lodge in Moshi, after Makala told him that there were farmers, who have been engaged in khat production in Same district.
According to Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Ramadhan Mungi, until yesterday, about 834 farmers, equivalent to 64 per cent, among 1,300, had voluntarily uprooted the crop from their farms.
Mr Mungi said, however, said that 396 farmers in Tae Village in the District have refused to destroy the illicit crop.
Farmers in 13 wards are said to have been involved in khat production according to Mr Mungi. The wards are Suji, Makanya, Hedaru, Gavao, Mwembe, Tae, Bwambo, Vudee and Chome.
According to Mungi, other wards cultivating khat, which is mainly sold in the northern regions of Kilimanjaro, Arusha and Tanga without forgetting outside the country, are Mhezi, Mshewa, Kirangare and Msindo.
“We urge farmers at Tae Village and other remaining areas to voluntarily destroy the crop because this operation will become sustainable and the punishment for the offence is stern. So, if they are not careful they may end up languishing in prison,” he warned.
