Author: DEOGRATIUS KAMAGI
AfricaPress-Tanzania: AS part of continuous efforts to support the government’s industrialisation drive, the Public Listed Company Jenga Afya Tokomeza Umasikini (JATU) PLC is setting up a 3.4bn/- Orange processing plant in Handeni District, Tanga region to also ensure local producers secure reliable market.
That was said here yesterday by the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter Isare, during a one day workshop, adding that they reached the decision after a survey they conducted in Tanga region and found that local farmers want a reliable market for oranges being produced in Handeni and Muheza Districts.
“We are also planning to set up at least 1,000 acres of an exemplary orange farm in Handeni and Muheza districts, but still continuing to support local farmers in a grand plan,” he said.
In response, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Gerald Kusaya instructed the local government councils countrywide to continue allocating pieces of land, where the youth can be trained as demonstration farms and investment fields.
He said the government will continue to provide conducive environment, which encourages agricultural innovative activities and motivates more youths to participate in the sector.
However, the PS, who was represented by the Ministry’s National Coordinator for youth investment in the agriculture sector, Mr Revelian Ngaiza, said still there is enough land for farming.
“Still there are around 44 million acres of land that can be used in farming activities, where so far 29.4million acres are suitable for irrigation farming… these are potentials to be exploited by those in prime age,” he said adding that the government is doing everything possible to improve the sector and increase productivity.
He also assured that the ministry considers innovative approaches as a powerful tool for encouraging the youth to take up agriculture as their main economic activity given its potential to the country’s economic growth.
