COTTON farmers in the eastern zone have increased their yields, with production soaring from an average of 800 kilograms per acre to 2,700 kilograms in the past two years.

Alphonce Ngawagala, a senior agricultural officer at the zonal board, per acre, said at a briefing here yesterday that this achievement results from adopting better agricultural practices, using modern seeds and following expert guidance

The zone has recently produced a national top farmer, Alfa Bushiri based at Mwaya ward in Ulanga District, Morogoro Region, who achieved a remarkable 2,723 kilograms yield per acre.

He had meticulously followed recommended practices and for his achievement, he was awarded a tractor at the recent agro-sector exhibition at the national level, the official noted.

The significant increase in yield resulted from early land preparation, use of compost, organic fertilizers and other nutrients, he said, also pointing at timely planting at the correct seed density. High output farmers also observed timely weeding and pest control with pesticides - even as other technicians propose organic pest control methods - as well as early harvesting and proper cotton processing, he explained.

Success this season follows extensive farmer education and training on key practices, enabling a major shift in farming techniques across Iringa, Coast, Tanga, Kilimanjaro and Morogoro regions, he stated.

Salimu Msuya, a crop expert with Mzuri and Agram Africa agro-input supply firms, urged farmers to adopt sustainable farming methods to combat climate change, pointing at conservation agriculture like reducing soil disturbance, leaving crop residues on fields, using cover crops and practicing crop rotation.

Introduced a modern application, a tailored professional tilling machine for tilling, planting and fertilizing, he said the machine saves time and costs while significantly reducing soil disruption, helping to reduce soil erosion, preserve biodiversity and conserve water.

This technology not only boosts productivity but also supports climate-resilient farming, a crucial step for the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the region, the innovator intoned.