Govt pledges to establish banana winery in Kagera to boost farmers’ income
KAGERA: CCM presidential running mate Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi has pledged that, if re-elected in the upcoming October General Election, the party led government will construct a banana wine factory in Kagera Region to boost farmers’ incomes and reduce postharvest losses.
Addressing a large public gathering at Kashai Primary School in Bukoba Municipality on Sunday, Dr Nchimbi acknowledged that for many years, banana farmers in the region have suffered due to the lack of reliable markets, leading to the loss of hundreds of tonnes of the produce annually.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan is the right candidate for the presidency. She has already demonstrated strong leadership and a clear vision. If elected, her government will build a banana wine factory in Kagera to help raise farmers’ incomes and curb postharvest losses,” he said.
Kagera Region produces approximately 600,000 tonnes of bananas annually. Bananas are both a staple food and a cash crop for over 2.9 million people in the region.
Many households depend on banana sales, including local banana brew for income. More than 95 per cent of households in Kagera engage in small-scale agriculture, primarily growing bananas, beans and coffee.
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The region’s banana–coffee farming systems have developed over centuries, providing food security and livelihoods for generations. Dr Nchimbi highlighted the government’s achievements under President Samia, including significant investment in agriculture: The agriculture budget increased from 294bn/- in 2021 to 1.24tri/- in 2025.
Fertiliser distribution rose from 678,017 tonnes to 1.2 million tonnes, supported by subsidies worth 708bn/-. Establishment of the ITRACOM fertiliser plant in Dodoma, with a production capacity of 1 million tonnes annually, alongside strengthening the Minjingu fertiliser plant in Manyara Region.
Dr Nchimbi outlined key priorities for the next term of government, with the first 100 days focusing on health, education, employment and good governance.
That included the implementation of the Universal Health Insurance Law, starting with coverage for elderly citizens, children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, 5,000 new health workers (including nurses and midwives) to be recruited to strengthen maternal and child healthcare.
Others will be full government funding for specialised tests and treatment for poor citizens with cancer, kidney disease, heart conditions, diabetes, orthopaedic and neurological disorders as well as planned construction of three new health centres, four dispensaries, 136 new classrooms within Bukoba Municipal Council.
“Every child must be able to read, write and count by the end of Standard Three,” Dr Nchimbi said.
He said others include recruitment of 7,000 new teachers, focusing on mathematics and science, aligning VETA and university training programmes with current labour market demands.
On jobs and entrepreneurship, Amb Nchimbi said 200bn/- fund will be set aside to support small businesses and startups.
The informal sector, including Mama Lishe (female food vendors), bodaboda (motorcycle riders) and bajaji (tricycle operators), will be formalised to increase economic opportunities and provide protection.
