All set as farmers’ exhibition kicks off in Dodoma

DODOMA: Minister for Agriculture Daniel Chongolo has said preparations for the 2026 National and International Nane Nane Exhibitions, which will begin on August 1 at the Dr John Samuel Malecela Grounds in Nzuguni, Dodoma, have been completed, with Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba expected to grace the annual event.

Mr Chongolo made the remarks in Dodoma after touring the venue on Friday afternoon and inspecting key infrastructure and services to be offered to farmers and other stakeholders visiting the week-long exhibition.

According to the Minister, the infrastructure being developed at the Dr John Samuel Malecela Grounds reflects the government’s intention to turn the venue into a permanent centre for providing agriculture-related services throughout the year.

Regarding exhibitors from 24 countries, Mr Chongolo said the event continued to attract international participation due to the developments made so far, which have raised the exhibitions to international standards.

The Minister, accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary  Mr Gerald Mweli and other officials, toured the mechanisation monitoring centre and call centre, where he spoke directly to a coffee farmer from Kagera Region.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister is expected to inspect sponsors’ pavilions before officially opening the exhibition.

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August 3 will be observed as Cooperatives Day and will also mark the 10th anniversary of the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), with Vice-President Dr Emmanuel John Nchimbi expected to officiate at the event.

According to the timetable, President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to preside over the closing ceremony and the National and International Nane Nane celebrations for farmers, livestock keepers and fishers on August 8.

Farmers’ Day (Nane Nane) is celebrated annually on August 8 in Tanzania.

The country observes the day as a national public holiday honouring farmers, livestock keepers and fishers. The name “Nane Nane” means “eight eight” in Swahili, representing the eighth day of the eighth month.

The exhibition provides a platform for showcasing various modern technologies, enabling exhibitors and public authorities to interact directly with farmers and other stakeholders.