President Samia commends Tanzanian farmers for achieving food self-sufficiency, maintaining stable inflation
President Samia Suluhu Hassan addresses the residents of Mlele District during her official visit to Katavi Region on July 13, 2024. PHOTO | STATE HOUSE
What you need to know:
- President Samia credited the achievement with maintaining inflation at a steady three percent, effectively shielding citizens from the adverse effects of food shortages and soaring prices.
Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lauded Tanzanian farmers for their exceptional contributions to food production, which have resulted in the country achieving a food self-sufficiency rate surpassing 120 percent.
Speaking during her tour of the Katavi region on July 13, 2024, President Samia credited the achievement with maintaining inflation at a steady three percent, effectively shielding citizens from the adverse effects of food shortages and soaring prices.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all farmers for their dedication and hard work. Your efforts have ensured our nation's abundant food supply, crucial in stabilizing inflation at a mere 3 percent and safeguarding our people from the challenges of food scarcity and high costs," President Samia remarked.
Furthermore, President Samia urged local councils in the Katavi region to comply with government directives and cease levying taxes on crops weighing less than one ton.
"I urge all local councils in Katavi to discontinue the practice of taxing crops under one ton. It is imperative to follow government guidelines to alleviate the burden on our citizens," she emphasised.
In a separate announcement, President Samia confirmed the government's progress in completing electricity projects aimed at connecting the Katavi and Kigoma regions to the national grid by October 2024, ensuring reliable power supply in these areas.
Earlier in the day, President Samia inspected the Inyonga electricity project, a component of a broader initiative that includes constructing three stations at Ipole (Skonge), Inyonga (Mlele), and Mpanda, totaling Sh48 billion.
Additionally, a Sh116.29 billion power transmission line from Tabora to Katavi is scheduled for completion later this year.
President Samia also highlighted the government's ongoing endeavors to foster economic growth in Katavi through infrastructure improvements, including the construction of a passenger terminal at Mpanda Airport and Karema Port.
"These projects are poised to generate employment opportunities and stimulate the local economy," she affirmed.
