INTRODUCTION
Millet pepper by technical name is Piper nigram and in English it is black pepper . Millet pepper, or popularly known as mango pepper, originates from the Far East, and is mostly cultivated in Tanga and Zanzibar regions. Although it can also accept in Kagera areasBoth black and white pepper are used in meat, fish and other recipes. Western countries have a great use of these ingredients. In addition, black millet pepper is the most produced in this country.
PRODUCTION
• Climate and soil
Most herbs grow in areas with moderate temperatures between 24-26 degrees Celsius and are produced in coastal areas. Fertile and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5. Rainfall requirements are 1500-2000 milliliters per year.
• Seed selection
Selection takes into account the following factors:-
a) The length of the stem and the size of the leaves
b) Shortness of pingil accompanied by small leaves.
The difference lies in the texture of the fruit. The leaves of the mother seedling when the cutting is cut are removed two weeks before cutting. Pieces with eyes ( nodes ) 3-4 are moving. Two eyes are buried in the soil and the piece is shaded. It is recommended to apply manure when planting
• Planting space
The planting space is 2-3 meters between the plant and the plant if the seedlings are planted with trees that need to be pruned regularly.
• Fertilizer requirements
The use of fertilizers here in Tanzania is not large in the cultivation of spices. Although the amount of 0.4 kg of Urea, 0.3 kg of Superphosphate and 0.3 kg of Muriate of Potash can be used for large seedlings.
• Trees for planting seedlings
Seedlings are planted by erecting poles so that they grow by wrapping themselves around trees like hedges, etc. The trees to be planted should also be reduced in leaves to reduce darkness. Before the season, the trees should be pruned.
Pruning millet pepper seedlings
When the seedling reaches 18 months, it should be pruned by cutting the upper part of the seedling to make other branches sprout under the seedling. It is recommended that the seedling be 3-3.5 meters tall.
INSECT AND DISEASE ATTACKS
In this country there are no major problems of insects and diseases.
HARVESTING AND STORAGE AND MARKETING
Harvesting
The first flowers come out after two years. Fruits mature nine (9) to ten (10) months. Harvesting is 5 to 6 cycles per year. Sweet pepper can be harvested in two seasons. The yield is between 0.35 - 3.75 tons per hectare. During harvesting, the stem of the green fruit is cut from the tree, then the seeds are analyzed from the stem and then they are hung in the sun for 3 to 4 days to ensure that they dry completely. The amount of moisture should be at least 13 - 14%.
To save
Properly dried chilies can be stored in an airtight container and last up to 20 years without spoiling.
Markets
The sweet pepper market is available in the country as well as abroad. The local price is between Sh1,000-1,500. This product is sold in the countries of Uganda, Kenya, England, Germany, Middle East, etc. The foreign price is an average of 1,985 US dollars per ton. (Please do market research, this data is for many days)
