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Biteko issues directives to boost agricultural sectors

MBEYA: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Dr Doto Biteko has issued five directives to the Ministry of Agriculture and all other sectors to ensure improved agriculture and livestock production in the country.

The deputy Premier said there must be strategies and special programme to ensure livestock and agriculture sectors contribute significantly to building the country’s economy.

Dr Biteko gave the instructions during the launching of Nanenane exhibition in the southern highlands at John Mwakangale grounds in Mbeya Region.

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He instructed all productive sectors to ensure all designated areas for agricultural research activities are well protected to ensure smooth execution of the activities.

ALSO READ: President Samia stresses food sufficiency 

The deputy Premier said agriculture sector needs advanced research findings in the areas of high-quality seeds for improved agriculture production in the country.

“I would like to instruct regional and district commissioners to ensure all the areas allocated for agricultural research activities are strictly protected for the purpose,” he emphasised.

However, he directed the Ministry of Agriculture and all other linked ministries to address disputes between farmers and pastoralists.

“The Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and all other ministries in collaboration with Regional and District Commissioners must find proper ways to stop illegal movement of livestock in their administrative areas,” he said.

Dr Biteko urged farmers, pastoralists and fishermen to always consult experts regarding the application of pesticides, drugs and chemicals so as to avoid causing health related problems to consumers of agriculture produces and animal products.

He said poor application of drugs and chemicals can lead to environmental hazards and other related problems.

On food security, the deputy Premier instructed farmers to boost production and ensure they only sell surplus and reserve enough for their households.

“I am asking you to reserve food. This should also serve as a reminder to the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to buy food from farmers at a directed price as recently ordered by the Head of State, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan,” he directed.

In addition, he also directed the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to ensure animal feed are available at affordable cost.

Dr Biteko added that environmental conservation must be a permanent agenda, saying there could be no economic growth without well protected environment.

“If we protect our environment, we will get guaranteed rains and farmers will be able to farm without challenges,” he added.

On the availability of fertilisers, Dr Biteko said the government will continue to supply fertilisers through the subsidy programme to ensure profitable production among farmers.

“The Head of State has deliberately been increasing the agriculture budget. The budget has increased from 275bn/- in 2021/2022 to 1.3tri/- in 2024/2025,” he noted.

Representing Members of Parliament for Southern Highland constituencies, the Speaker of National Assembly, Dr Tulia Ackson, applauded President Samia for the big investment in the agricultural sector.

She said the President has ensured availability of fertiliser to farmers across the country.

“In 2022/23 the production in the Southern Highlands’ regions was 11.8 million tonnes, this year they have produced 13.6 million tonnes, equal to an increase of 15 per cent,” she said.

Earlier, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Mr David Silinde said that the budget increase for the Ministry of Agriculture has brought positive changes including the growth of the sector from 2.7 per cent to 4.2 per cent in the past three years.