Africa-Press – Tanzania. AGRICULTURE Minister Prof Adolf Mkenda has announced that the government is determined to transforming the agricultural sector to contribute immensely in individuals and country’s economic growth.
Speaking after touring the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) here, he said the ministry has resolved to invest time, expertise and other resources to improve farmers’ access to agro-inputs, better farming methods, markets and agricultural financing.
He said the four aspects are the key challenges slowing especially smallholders to increase their production, adding: “We are going to pilot few areas to determine the effectiveness of the strategy and the ministry will hold a working session with all Extension Officers countrywide later this month.
“The meeting will help identify gaps and successes that the ministry must consider when planning the 2021/22 budget estimates and expenditures.”
According to the minister, agricultural financing will help interested farmers to access financial support from the government without feeling any burden imposed by any financial institutions.
“We want to develop a new mechanism that will help farmers to get funds and purchase required working tools. The existing plan in which farmers use their cooperative societies as guarantors has also increased a burden in repaying the loans,” he said.
The new pilot areas according to the minister will be evaluated annually under the implementation plan to be designed by all stakeholders.
Agriculture sector accounts for 24 per cent on the gross domestic product, but the ministry expect the new measures, which will propel the long-term economic backbone to contribute to least 30 per cent on GDP by 2025.
On other development, Prof Mkenda directed the research institute to help improve grape farming in the region and apparently, due to the limited best practices, grape farmers cultivate only few hectares, which the minister should increase yields to 12 tonnes from 3 per hectares.
Commenting, TARI Makutopora Director, Dr Cornel Massawe told the minister that the institute is ready to support the government initiative, adding that they have standby experts to help grape farmers.
He said currently, the institute produces around 200,000 tonnes of grape seeds both for table, wine and as food supplements.
“We have noted an increase in the number of grape farmers and the institute plans to increase seed production by 50,000 more this year, but unfortunately experienced farmers are slowly beginning to forget the best farming practices and thus reduces efficiency,” he added.
Dr Massawe further said the research institute will be conducting regular training and re-training to ensure farmers abide by best farming practices.
