Dr Mwinyi opens 3rd Zanzibar Organic Festival, pledges to continue bolstering agricultural products

ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, said his government will continue investing in strengthening the agricultural sector by improving production infrastructure, promoting modern technologies and irrigation systems, expanding access to affordable financing, and improving markets for agricultural produce.

President Mwinyi made the remarks on September 23, 2026, while officially opening the third Zanzibar Organic Festival 2026 at Dole Kizimbani in the West “A” District, Urban West Region.

He said the Government aims to enable farmers to increase food production at affordable costs while preserving soil fertility, water sources and the environment, as well as ensuring food security and protecting consumers’ health.

President Mwinyi said the Government has launched the Zanzibar Organic Agriculture Strategy and directed the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock to begin the process of establishing a dedicated Organic Agriculture Unit to coordinate organic farming activities across Zanzibar.

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He also directed the Ministry to assess the possibility of including organic agricultural inputs in the Government’s agricultural input subsidy programme, while stressing the need for the safe and proper use of agricultural inputs.

Addressing the link between agriculture and tourism, President Mwinyi urged hotels, restaurants and food suppliers to increase their purchases of produce grown by Zanzibar farmers through the Farm-to-Table system. He said the initiative would help expand markets for farmers and increase their incomes.

The festival is being held under the theme “Think Globally, Eat Naturally,” with the aim of bringing together farmers and various stakeholders to exchange knowledge and technologies and promote better and sustainable food production practices.

During the festival, President Mwinyi presented awards to various stakeholders and sponsors supporting efforts to develop the agricultural sector. He was also presented with an honorary award in recognition of his leadership and contribution to the development of agriculture in Zanzibar.