Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Cereals and Mixed Crops Regulatory Authority (COPRA) has trained extension officers in the Coast Region to enhance farmers’ productivity and improve the quality of sesame and legumes.
The training aims to equip extension officers with skills and knowledge on sustainable farming practices and quality standards required in the market.
Opening the training, Coast Regional Assistant Administrative Secretary (Economy and Production), Mr Shangwe Twamala, urged participants to effectively utilise the knowledge gained by supporting farmers at the grassroots level.
“You have a responsibility to ensure that farmers receive the right education and support to achieve better productivity and quality,” he said.
Mr Twamala also commended COPRA for distributing six tonnes of improved sesame seed to various councils in the region in preparation for the upcoming agricultural season.
A representative from COPRA Eastern Zone, Mr Yona Msaga, said the training was designed to strengthen extension services by providing practical guidelines on sustainable crop production and adherence to quality standards.
“This initiative will help extension officers deliver better services to farmers and ensure that crops meet market requirements,” he stressed.
Participants expressed optimism that the training would improve their performance in supporting farmers. Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Deputy Registrar of the Tanzania Veterinary Council (VCT), Dr Obed Nyasebwa, said the training forms part of broader government efforts to strengthen extension services across the country.
He noted that improving the capacity of extension officers is key to enhancing productivity in both agriculture and livestock sectors, in line with national policies, laws and regulations.
The Head of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Department in Mkuranga District Council, Ms Anna Kiria, called for continued support through similar training programmes to further strengthen the sector.
