Government to introduce maize seed subsidy in the next farming season
What you need to know:
- This initiative is being implemented as a trial to determine if it will boost production levels among farmers.
Dar es Salaam. The government is set to introduce a subsidy on maize seeds in the coming farming season, according to President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
This initiative is being implemented as a trial to determine if it will boost production levels among farmers.
"Both maize seeds and fertilizers should be subsidized, and we should see if the farmers will increase production. If production increases, we will continue with the subsidies, but if it doesn't help, we will reconsider our approach," she said.
She made these remarks today July 17, 2024, while concluding a three-day tour in the Rukwa region, where she inaugurated various development projects.
In addition to the subsidy announcement, President Hassan addressed complaints about the current price of maize in Rukwa.
The President then directed the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, to increase the price to Sh700 per kilo.
"From this moment, when the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) opens tomorrow, the price of maize will be 700 shillings," she said.
One of the highlights of the visit was the laying of the foundation stone for the Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) - Rukwa Campus.
This project is part of the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) initiative, aimed at transitioning towards skill-based education.
President Samia emphasized the importance of practical skills for the youth, stating that young people should acquire practical skills to help them secure their livelihoods.
“We need to equip them with employable and entrepreneurial skills,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aloys Ntanturo Mvumar, provided details on the Sh15.6 billion project's progress, at 50 percent completion expected to be finalized by December 2024.
President Samia also laid the foundation stone for the Rukwa Girls’ Secondary School.
She urged the students to focus on their current studies and not rush through life, advising them to "deal with what you have right now."
The President reiterated the government's scholarships for students excelling in science subjects through the Samia Scholarship, encouraging teachers to nurture their students effectively.
