Govt to build onion markets in Singida, other regions

SINGIDA: MINISTER for Agriculture, Mr Hussein Bashe said yesterday that the government will begin construction of markets for onions in Singida Region and other areas in the country in the 2025/2026 financial year.

He said in the House that the government will also prepare regulations to prevent oversized and unregulated packaging popular in Kiswahili as ‘lumbesa’.

The Minister was responding to a question from a Member of Parliament, Aysharose Mettembe who wanted to know government plans to ensure that onion farming benefits the citizens of Singida Region.

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The Minister said to benefit onion farmers in Singida Region and other areas in the country, the government continues to provide subsidized fertiliser and training on good onion farming practices.

The government also equip extension officers with tools, including motorcycles and soil testing equipment to provide accurate advice on fertiliser use, thereby increasing productivity and production of the crop, he said.

He said additionally, the government is continuing the construction of irrigation schemes totaling 7,300 hectares in the onion-growing wards of Msange, Masimba and Msingi.

The completion of these schemes will benefit 52,000 onion farmers in 19 villages within the project wards, he said.