Plan to boost vineyards in offing

Dodoma. The government has said plans are underway to set up a special organ to safeguard the interests of grape farmers in the region.

This was revealed on Tuesday by deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and Persons living with Disabilities) Antony Mavunde.

Mr Mavunde, who doubles as Dodoma MP, said the body would be responsible for ensuring that farmers cultivate grapes more professionally and are connected to reliable markets,” he said.

The deputy minister said Dodoma has the potential to become one of the world’s best grape farming regions on the continent. In 2013, it was ranked among Africa’s top five wine producers.

According to a 2011 study, Dodoma has an average annual yield of 1,000 tonnes of grapes.  Regional agricultural officer Abram Issack said grape farming could uplift locals from abject poverty. “The demand for grapes is high in a number of countries and our farmers need to embrace commercial farming to realise the benefits,” he said.