PM advocates better returns for farmers

UNITED STATE: PRIME MINISTER Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has said the success of agricultural reforms must be measured by improvements in farmers’ incomes and welfare, calling for reliable markets, profitable prices and better infrastructure for storing and processing produce.

“For farming families, a good harvest alone does not mean economic success. Good harvests must translate into better lives for farmers,” he said.

Dr Mwigulu made the remarks on Wednesday, while addressing 75 emerging young agricultural leaders from different countries on the sidelines of the Norman E.

Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, in the US. Referring to the theme, “When Farmers Thrive, Africa Thrives”, the Premier said agricultural transformation must be assessed by the improvements it brings to farmers’ lives.

“Higher production is important, but what matters most is the income earned, the security achieved and the opportunities created for families,” he said.

Dr Mwigulu, who attended the meeting on behalf of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, said farmers could increase production without realising the expected benefits because of high transport costs, inadequate storage facilities and prices that fail to cover production costs.

“These challenges must be addressed collectively to make agriculture a profitable business and an attractive venture for young people,” he said.

Dr Mwigulu said Tanzania continues to empower young people by providing access to land, linking them with financial institutions and expanding the use of modern agricultural technologies and machinery.

He said the government was increasing investment in irrigation projects, improved seed production, research, extension services, warehouses and crop-processing infrastructure.

The Prime Minister also called for increased domestic production of fertilisers, improved seeds and edible oils to reduce dependence on imports.

He said global economic challenges had highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic capacity to produce essential agricultural inputs and food commodities.

Earlier, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) President Alice Ruhweza commended Tanzania for its progress in irrigation farming, agricultural mechanisation and youth empowerment.

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She also praised President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership in advancing the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) programme.

Ms Ruhweza said AGRA, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, was implementing a 350 million US dollar (about 926.32bn/-) programme to empower young people in agriculture across participating countries, including Tanzania.

She said the programme’s implementation in Tanzania aligns with BBT, strengthening existing efforts rather than creating overlapping initiatives.

Ms Ruhweza said Tanzania’s experience could serve as a model for other African countries seeking to empower young people through agriculture.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Dr Ngwaru Maghembe, Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Washington Dr Elsie Kanza and other government officials.

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