By Umar Nsubuga
Twaha Kakooza, a renowned herbal medicinal farmer in Kayunga District, has spent years mastering the cultivation of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and is passionate about sharing his expertise with those looking to benefit from this medicinal plant.
Known for his vast knowledge of herbal farming, Kakooza has helped many farmers understand the best ways to grow tea trees while maximizing its health and financial benefits.
Tea tree, famous for its essential oil, has been valued for centuries due to its potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Kakooza explains that proper tea tree cultivation begins with selecting the right location.
“Tea trees need well-drained soils and plenty of sunlight,” he says.
“If you plant it in waterlogged areas, the roots may rot, and the plant won’t thrive.”
Kakooza advises farmers to prepare the soil well before planting, ensuring it is loose and rich in organic matter to encourage root growth.
Timing is another important aspect of tea tree farming.
Kakooza recommends planting during the rainy season, as young tea tree plants require consistent moisture to establish themselves.
“While tea trees are resilient, they need a good start,” he explains.
“If you plant them in the dry season, you will struggle with watering, which can be a significant challenge in areas with unreliable water sources.”
For Kakooza, planting during the rainy season is essential for minimizing labor and ensuring strong, healthy plants.
Pruning is another practice Kakooza highlights as crucial for tea tree health.
He recommends pruning tea trees regularly to encourage branching and to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to fungal diseases.
“Pruning allows air to circulate around the plant and helps it grow stronger,” he explains.
Kakooza suggests pruning every few months, especially during the plant’s early stages, to shape it well and increase the quality of the leaves.
Beyond the cultivation practices, Kakooza is also well-versed in the market opportunities that tea tree farming presents. Tea tree oil, extracted from the leaves, has a strong demand both locally and internationally due to its medicinal properties.
However, Kakooza emphasises that farmers need to follow the proper harvesting and processing methods to produce high-quality oil.
“The best time to harvest tea tree leaves is just before flowering, as this is when the oil content is at its peak,” he says.
Once harvested, the leaves must be distilled carefully to extract the oil, which requires specific equipment.
For farmers unable to afford distillation equipment, Kakooza encourages them to work in groups or cooperatives.
“When farmers join hands, they can pool resources to buy equipment and access better markets,” he says.
Kakooza has seen many farmers in Kayunga and surrounding areas benefit from tea tree farming through cooperative efforts, which allow them to meet the demand of larger buyers interested in organic and sustainably-sourced tea tree oil.
Kakooza also stresses the importance of understanding the market and complying with quality standards.
“Good quality oil fetches a higher price. Farmers should avoid using chemical fertilizers or pesticides, as this can affect the oil’s purity and value,” he advises.
By sticking to organic methods, farmers can attract clients who value pure, natural tea tree oil and are willing to pay a premium.
