‘Research key to agricultural transformation’

MOROGORO: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has said Tanzania cannot achieve meaningful transformation in the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors without sustained investment in research.

He said President Samia Suluhu Hassan has allocated substantial funding to research to boost productivity, expand market access and strengthen food security.

Dr Nchemba made the remarks on Tuesday after touring exhibition booths at the Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition at the Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere Grounds in Morogoro.

The Eastern Zone exhibition has brought together exhibitors from Dar es Salaam, Coast, Tanga and Morogoro regions.

He urged research institutions, including the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), to continue investing in research and developing practical innovations.

“Research is the foundation of agricultural transformation. We cannot increase productivity, expand markets or strengthen food security without investing in innovation and ensuring that research findings reach farmers,” he said.

Dr Nchemba also called on farmers and other stakeholders to embrace research findings to improve productivity.

He commended SUA for its innovative research on the use of owls as a natural method of controlling crop destroying rats, describing it as a practical solution to challenges facing farmers.

The Premier said agriculture remains one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors and continues to create employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

He urged the youth to abandon the misconception that farming is only for the elderly and instead embrace modern, technology-driven agriculture.

“Today’s agriculture is not based on outdated methods. It can be successfully undertaken by young people, many of whom are graduates from various universities in the country because they understand and are capable of using modern technologies,” he said.

To illustrate the transformation taking place in the sector, Dr Nchemba cited the example of a university graduate he met at the Sugar Board exhibition booth who demonstrated the use of agricultural drones capable of spraying a seven-hectare farm in just 20 minutes.

“Young people should use the knowledge and skills they acquire in higher learning institutions to invest in agriculture. The government will continue improving production infrastructure to support the sector,” he said.

Dr Nchemba further said this year’s Nane Nane theme, “Know Your Market, Increase Productivity to Achieve Vision 2050,” reflects the country’s determination to modernise agriculture through increased productivity and market-oriented production.

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He also urged farmers and livestock keepers to work together instead of viewing each other as rivals.

“We cannot build a strong industrial economy without reliable raw materials. Farmers and livestock keepers should work together because they all contribute to national development,” he said.

Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Bashiru Ally, described Morogoro as the hub of Tanzania’s agricultural transformation, attributing the progress to the presence of Sokoine University of Agriculture.

He called on the university to continue strengthening research, innovation and training to support increased agricultural production.

Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima said this year’s exhibition has showcased a wide range of modern agricultural technologies that will enable farmers to adopt practical innovations and ultimately increase productivity.