TCDC promotes digital payments for cotton farmers
MASWA: THE Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC) has urged cotton farmers in Maswa District, Simiyu Region, to open bank accounts and register mobile money numbers as the government rolls out digital payments for cotton sales.
The commission said the move is intended to safeguard farmers’ earnings, eliminate opportunities for fraud and make it easier for growers to access agricultural loans and government subsidies.
Speaking to farmers in Maswa, TCDC Cooperative Officer, Mr Aron Mrema said payments made through banks and mobile money services would enable farmers to receive their proceeds safely and on time.
He said the digital payment system would also reduce the risks associated with handling cash while improving transparency and accountability in cotton marketing, particularly through Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS).
“The government continues to promote digital payment systems for strategic crops, including cotton. This will improve transparency, protect farmers’ money and help more farmers access formal financial services,” Mr Mrema said.
He urged farmers to embrace the system by opening bank accounts or registering for mobile money services before the marketing season.
Some farmers from Sola AMCOS welcomed the initiative but called for continued public education to help growers understand the new payment arrangement.
Joseph Bundala, a farmer, said many growers were initially uncertain about receiving cotton payments through banks or mobile money.
“We need more education because many farmers still do not fully understand the system. We appreciate the training we have received today and ask the government to extend the same education to more farmers,” he said.
Another farmer, Njile Emanuel, said the training had helped farmers understand the benefits of digital payments and that many were now ready to open bank accounts or register for mobile money services.
He appealed to the government and cooperative leaders to continue educating farmers to ensure wider adoption of the system.
