Tanzania government affirms commitment to build irrigation infrastructure

Dr Mpango was speaking yesterday in Mbeya during the official opening of the annual agriculture exhibitions that will climax on National Farmers Day (Nane Nane) on August 8th.

He said investing in irrigation infrastructure is a strategic move that addresses the challenges posed by climate change, erratic rainfall patterns, and water scarcity. “I request that we continue to maintain and take care of this infrastructure to ensure its continued productivity,” he said.

The VP also emphasised another critical issue on agriculture financing, directing the minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, to have a sit-down with the minister of Finance Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, on the potential establishment of an agriculture development fund.

This, he said, will improve financing and reduce the cost of borrowing.

“Commercial banks have done well by decreasing the interest rates to now nine percent, but we want it to be even lower so farmers can afford it,” Dr Mpango said.

On his part, the minister of Agriculture Mr Bashe said that this year’s Nane Nane theme is Youth and Women are the Strong Foundation of Sustainable Food Systems, aimed at highlighting and recognising the significant contribution of these groups in agricultural activities.

“Youth and women are the ones who contribute significantly to the workforce in food production, processing, distribution, and marketing within and outside the country,” he said.

Minister Bashe asserted that Tanzania must be self-sufficient in food, which means producing enough food domestically to meet the nation’s needs without relying heavily on imports.

“Economic sustainability can only be achieved if the people are self-sufficient in food,” he said. Mbeya regional commissioner, Mr Juma Homera, revealed that farmers in the Southern Highlands regions, which are key producers, have harvested over 9.7 million metric tonnes of food and commercial crops.

“We are proud of the achievements in food crop production and having a surplus food supply. We continue to collaborate with the government to improve the agricultural sector, including allocating areas for irrigation and livestock keeping,” said Mr Homera.

The RC said that in implementing the agricultural policy, the Mbeya region has been allocated by the government nearly Sh75 billion to establish irrigation schemes.

Meanwhile, a powerful delegation from Ludewa District in Njombe Region is also participating in the exhibitions in Mbeya City.

The delegation is led by the district commissioner, Victoria Mwanziva, and the district executive director of the Ludewa District Council, Sunday Deogratias.

In the Ludewa District’s pavilion, various farming activities are displaced, which include a modern vegetable garden, chicken breeding, and a modern fish pond with various types of fish raised through fish breeding.

Also on display are various agricultural and livestock products.

“We welcome you to this magnificent exhibition and further invite you to visit our pavilion to meet with agricultural experts, extension officers, stakeholders, and entrepreneurs from our district,” Ms Mwanziva said.

Ludewa residents have adopted entrepreneurship as well as a guide to the various investment opportunities available in the district.