Africa-Press – Tanzania. SAUTI ya Umma (SAU) presidential candidate, Mr Majalio Kyara, has pledged sweeping reforms to revitalise Tanzania’s agricultural sector, promising farmers timely delivery of inputs, modern irrigation systems and policies aimed at transforming the backbone of the country’s economy.
Speaking at a campaign rally on Friday at Mawenzi grounds in Morogoro, Mr Kyara told residents that agriculture under his leadership would become more productive, profitable and resilient to climate challenges.
“I will ensure that agriculture in this country is improved by guaranteeing timely and quality availability of farming inputs and essential facilities, including irrigation systems,” he said.
Mr Kyara identified access to quality seeds as one of the most pressing problems facing farmers.
He pledged that, if elected, SAU would establish a national seed bank to preserve, protect and distribute indigenous seeds.
“We in SAU will strongly focus on safeguarding traditional seeds and medicines so that they are not lost. Farmers must have access to reliable, highquality seeds,” he stressed.
Agriculture stands at the heart of SAU’s manifesto. The party envisions modernising the sector into a sustainable and profitable enterprise that not only ensures national food security but also positions Tanzania as a regional food supplier.
Key proposals include the promotion of organic farming to reduce dependency on chemical fertilisers, thereby protecting soil health, the environment and consumers.
The manifesto further outlines the provision of affordable, long-term credit to farmers cultivating more than 30 acres, particularly targeting youth, women and persons with disabilities.
The loans would enable farmers to acquire modern machinery, establish storage facilities and invest in agro-processing.
Water access remains a central priority. Mr Kyara vowed that SAU government would construct 70 large dams across the country to irrigate 1.4 million acres of farmland. These dams, he added, would also generate 28,000 tonnes of fish annually, providing farmers with alternative sources of income and enhancing nutrition.
Addressing local concerns, Mr Kyara described Morogoro’s persistent water shortage as unacceptable, particularly considering the region’s abundant rainfall.
“The problem lies in the failure to protect natural water sources and the lack of effective rainwater harvesting systems. SAU will ensure that Morogoro residents have reliable access to water for both domestic use and agriculture,” he assured.
Residents echoed his sentiments, citing the acute shortage of clean water and the urgent need for indigenous seed preservation as challenges crippling local farming communities.
Mr Kyara concluded by reiterating that agriculture would be the foundation of SAU’s development agenda, promising to elevate farmers’ livelihoods while securing food self-sufficiency for future generations.
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