Central Zone set for 115 irrigation projects

DODOMA: CENTRAL zone regions are set to benefit from 115 irrigation projects aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening resilience against climate change.

Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde told the National Assembly yesterday that the projects form part of broader efforts to improve crop production and expand irrigation farming in the drought-prone zone.

He was responding to a basic question from Kenneth Nollo (Bahi-CCM), who sought to know the government’s strategy for boosting agricultural productivity in the Central Zone.

Mr Silinde said the government is implementing the National Agriculture Policy of 2013 and the National Irrigation Policy of 2010 to address challenges facing the agriculture sector, including low productivity and unreliable rainfall patterns.

He said the policies focus on improving access to quality agricultural inputs, strengthening research and extension services, expanding irrigation infrastructure and promoting the use of modern farming technologies.

“Of the 115 irrigation projects, 19 are under construction, 81 are at irrigation scheme design stage, while 15 involve designs for large dams intended to support irrigation farming,” he said.

In addition, Mr Silinde said 130 boreholes have been drilled to support irrigation farming, while about 18,385 tonnes of fertiliser have been distributed to 8,459 farmers under the subsidy programme.

“These initiatives are part of the government’s strategy to increase production and productivity while addressing the effects of climate change in the Central Zone,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a supplementary question, Mr Nollo sought to know the government’s plans to introduce seed subsidies, saying current prices remain too high for many farmers.

In response, Mr Silinde said plans are underway to provide subsidised seeds, including in the Central Zone, and ensure the inputs reach farmers before the farming season begins.

“The government will continue speeding up distribution of subsidised seeds to farmers in order to improve agricultural productivity,” he said.

On irrigation schemes in the valleys of Mtitaa, Mkakatika and Lukali, the deputy minister said the National Irrigation Commission is currently at the tendering stage to secure a contractor for implementation of the projects.

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In another supplementary question, Zainabu Kawawa (Special Seats-CCM) sought to know when authorities would provide tractors to women among the 152 youths benefiting from the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) project in Lindi Region.

Responding, Mr Silinde said plans are underway to procure 10,000 tractors for distribution countrywide alongside establishment of mechanisation centres aimed at improving access to agricultural equipment.

“So far, 79 mechanisation centres have been established out of the targeted 1,000 nationwide,” he said.