TECOMA Uganda has launched a massive growing of Moringa trees in Teso.
Speaking at the launch on July 6th 2017 at Hersey Resort Hotel in Soroti Municipality, George William Itiamat, the Director of TECOMA says they have so far planted over 10 hectors in the districts of Katakwi and Soroti.
Jonathan Maraka (left), an Iteso Cultural Union leader, listens attentively at the launch
“This is just the beginning. We intend to plant more and more Moringa trees so as to meet the demand. Our target is over 100,000 trees in the near future,” Itiamat disclosed.
The Moringa planting project is being piloted in the health units and school lands.
In Soroti it is being piloted in Asuret, Tubur and Kamuda health centres while in Katakwi it is in St. Kevin Health Cetnre III and Kapujan health centre III. In schools it is being piloted in Teso College Aloet, Aparisa Primary School and Lalle Primary Schools all in Soroti District. Schools where Moringa growing is being piloted in Katakwi include: Toroma Secondary School and Toroma Girls Secondary school.
A lecturer of Busitema University giving his opinion at the inception meeting at the Hursey Resort Hotel in Soroti District
The launch which brought together Agricultural experts, health workers, politicians, civil society organizations, the media, cultural and religious leaders, brainstormed on how to make Moringa growing in Teso a success story.
Moringa which is in more than 14 species has its origin in the Himalayan Mountains in Asia. Itiamat says whereas all the types are beneficial in health related issues, Oleifera (Asian type) and Stenopetala (African type) are highly recommended.
Deo Okiror, the Agricultural expert in Soroti, says Moringa also grows well in Teso. Okiror says one can plant seeds which will take about 10 days to germinate. The farmer can also choose to cut branches into small pieces and plant them like cassava.
He however advises that the cuttings be left in the shade for at least three days before planting. Commenting on the health benefits of Moringa, John Bernard Alaja-Egoriat a retired teacher at Kichinjaji Primary School in Soroti Municipality says Moringa is a wonder tree.
John Bernard Alaja giving a health testimony on Moringa.
“Since I started consuming Moringa products my health has improved a great deal. There was a time I used to have rashes all over my body but today you can see it by yourselves,” said Alaja during the launch.
