CCM to quell land disputes

RUVUMA: CHAMA Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday pledged to resolve conflicts between farmers and pastoralists by allocating more land specifically for livestock grazing.

Addressing campaign rallies at Nakapanya in Tunduru District, Ruvuma Region, Nanyumbu and Masasi Districts in Mtwara Region, President Samia said that if elected in the next month polls, her government would set aside enough land for pastoralists to graze their livestock, thereby ending the long-standing disputes with farmers.

She pledged that her government will survey and allocate 6 million acres of land for livestock grazing, with the process expected to be completed by 2030. President Samia explained that the area will increase from the current 3.4 million acres to 6 million acres within five years.

“We are determined to end conflicts between farmers and pastoralists by allocating sufficient grazing land. This way, livestock will no longer invade people’s farms,” she said.

The CCM candidate also promised firm measures to control wild animals that destroy crops and attack people.

She explained that the government is aware of the challenges and has already been implementing various measures to address them.

She revealed that the government has purchased five special drones to drive away wild animals, including elephants, that destroy crops and properties. The drones are designed to chase animals and ensure they remain within their designated conservation areas.

President Samia further pledged that, if elected, her government will establish a wildlife ranger station at Lukumbile, Nakapanya in Ruvuma region.

She added that there is already another wildlife station in the area, which is doing a commendable work.

“In Nanyumbu area, we will ensure that wild animals from the Lukwika and Lumesule reserves are controlled so that citizens can live without fear,” she said.

On power supply, president Samia promised to build electric transmission line and substations connecting Songea, Tunduru and Masasi to boost electricity supply and promote industries in the southern regions.

She said one of the major substations will be built in Masasi District.

Turning to agriculture, President Samia assured farmers across the country that if elected, her government would continue strengthening the sector and securing profitable markets for agricultural produce.

She applauded farmers in Mtwara for producing both food and cash crops in abundance.

She said in the last season, production of various crops increased significantly in the country, noting that pigeon peas rose from 1,130 tonnes to 5,950 tonnes, earning farmers 10.8bn/-.

Groundnuts increased from 26,000 tonnes to 33,000 tonnes, generating 82.9bn/-, Sesame production increased from 1,580 tonnes worth 3.9bn/ to 11,800 tonnes worth 38.8bn/-.

She added that cashewnuts production rose from 15,000 tonnes to 24,000 tonnes generating 73bn/-.

She attributed the production to the government’s provision of subsidised fertiliser and other agricultural inputs.

The President assured farmers that the government is working hard to stabilise crop prices. “We are doing everything possible to ensure farmers get fair prices.

We face challenges due to oversupply in other countries, but we are negotiating with nations such as India to make sure prices do not fall below 60 per cent of last season’s prices,” she explained.

She also pledged to continue providing subsidised fertiliser, agriculture inputs and ensure livestock sector is also strengthened.

Moreover, the incumbent pledged to continue implementing other development projects, including roads, bridges and improvements in social services such as water supply, education, electricity and healthcare.