Better day ahead for farmers

• Samia promises profitable markets for their produce

SINGIDA: CCM presidential candidate, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday assured farmers that if elected, her government will secure reliable markets to enable them to sell their crops at profitable prices.

Addressing a campaign rally at Bombardier grounds in Singida Municipality, President Samia said the government is already in talks with India to secure markets for crops such as green grams, lentils and sesame.

She urged farmers to remain patient, stressing that the government is working tirelessly to find profitable markets.

“I ask you farmers to remain calm. The government is continuing to seek markets that will benefit you,” she said.

President Samia encouraged farmers to keep using the warehouse receipt system, noting that it is the best way to avoid middlemen who exploit farmers.

She warned unscrupulous traders who either delay paying farmers or manipulate crop weights by adding impurities.

“Some traders sabotage the purchasing system and others add dirt substances to crops to increase weight. All of them will have their licenses revoked, that will be the end for them to engage in crop businesses,” she warned.

President Samia assured farmers that the government is determined to ensure crop prices do not fall below 60 per cent of the world market price so that farmers continue to benefit.

She further explained that the agriculture sector, including in Singida Region has been strengthened through subsidised fertiliser and other inputs.

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She added that 81bn/- has been allocated for the renovation and construction of irrigation schemes in 67 villages in Singida, significantly boosting crop production.

From 2021, the government has invested over 1.7tri/- in development projects in Singida alone.

President Samia also explained that more than 515,000 people in Singida have benefitted from the Samia Legal Aid Programme, most of them resolving land disputes.

She noted that the number of large industries in Singida has also grown from one to nine during her four years’ tenure.

If elected, she pledged to construct a modern Machinga Complex and an international onions market in the region.

On his part, former CCM Secretary General and Central Zone campaign coordinator, Dr Bashiru Ally applauded President Samia for steering the country after the passing of President John Magufuli.

He said President Samia safely guided the nation through the Covid-19 crisis. “This is a strong leader, with remarkable courage and composure. These qualities enabled her to move the nation forward, and they are the very reasons she deserves to continue leading us,” he said.

Dr Bashiru stressed that after President Magufuli’s funeral, it was President Samia who guided the nation through one of its most difficult moments.

He added that President Samia is not only a capable leader but also one nurtured by a strong and visionary political party-CCM. He said President Samia respects equality and human dignity, which is the foundation of CCM’s ideology.

On gender equality, Dr Bashiru commended President Samia for making significant strides in uplifting women and ensuring gender balance in leadership.

“The CCM ideology of equality has been well implemented and things are moving in the right direction,” he said.

He stressed that President Samia has empowered women to gain confidence, with many now holding leadership positions and others vying for parliamentary seats.

Iramba West parliamentary candidate, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, also commended the sixth phase government for major development changes in Singida.

He explained that since independence, some divisions had no health centres, but now health facilities have been established across the region. Roads have been improved and every village has access to roads and bridges. The government has also purchased machines for drilling water wells in various areas.

Tanzania Pastoralists Association (CCWT) Chairman, Mr. Mrida Mushota, said the livestock sector has received 69bn/- for vaccination, a move that will enable livestock from Tanzania to be sold abroad without difficulties.

He added that in the past five years, the government has constructed 754 livestock dips worth 2.4bn/- across the country.

Earlier, President Samia addressed rallies in Bahi, Dodoma Region and Manyoni, Singida Region.

At Manyoni, she promised the construction of the road from Singida to Makongorosi in Mbeya, describing it as key to linking the two regions and promoting both social and economic growth. She also announced the construction of the Sanza Bridge, with a contractor already assigned.

She pledged new jobs and improved livelihoods through the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) corridor, which crosses Manyoni District.

She also promised the construction of a Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) radio station in Itigi to ensure reliable access to information.

At Bahi, she said that after constructing schools, health centres and dispensaries, her government, if elected, would also focus on building dormitories for girls to ensure they remain in school.

On water supply, President Samia noted that 56 out of 59 villages in Bahi District now have access to clean and safe water, thanks to deep wells drilled by the government. She added that the Lake Victoria water project will further expand supply.