Government hands over 23.4bn/- irrigation equipment to boost sector

DODOMA: THE government has handed over irrigation equipment worth 23.4bn/- to accelerate the implementation of irrigation projects nationwide, as the National Irrigation Commission (NIRC) was commended for its role in transforming the sector into a key pillar of the national economy.

The equipment includes 19 heavy-duty borehole drilling rigs capable of reaching depths of between 300 and 1,800 metres, 17 vehicles for transporting equipment and materials, two trailers and 23 motorcycles.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Minister for Agriculture, Mr Daniel Chongolo, said the move would significantly enhance the management and execution of irrigation projects across the country.

He noted that the government has substantially increased the development budget for irrigation, from 46.5bn/- in the 2021/22 financial year to 308.7bn/- in 2025/26, underscoring its commitment to modernising agriculture.

“The ministry will continue to oversee and closely monitor the availability and utilisation of funds to ensure projects are completed on time,” Mr Chongolo said, directing the NIRC board and staff to manage the equipment responsibly and efficiently.

On his part, NIRC Director General Raymond Mndolwa said the handover was part of the implementation of a directive issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on August 8, 2022, aimed at strengthening irrigation infrastructure nationwide.

“Today we are witnessing the tangible efforts of the Sixth Phase Government through the handover of 19 heavy-duty drilling rigs, 16 support vehicles for drilling operations, two trailers and 23 motorcycles,” Mr Mndolwa said.

He revealed that the commission plans to drill 67,000 boreholes within five years, which are expected to support irrigation on 16,000 hectares.

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In the current financial year alone, 1,027 boreholes are planned, with 260 already drilled on a pilot basis in 12 regions.

Mr Mndolwa further said the commission has procured 1,000 water pumps for lake water abstraction, which will be distributed to special groups, particularly women and youth, to support inclusive agricultural development.

He added that NIRC is currently implementing 146 irrigation projects nationwide, of which 18 have been completed and are ready for handover.

“Our staff are fully prepared, and we are determined to expand the irrigated area to achieve the target of 10 per cent growth in the agricultural sector by 2030,” he emphasised.

Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule said about 72 per cent of residents in the region depend on agriculture, making the new equipment a major economic boost.

“The President has repeatedly emphasised that the challenge is not drought, but the knowledge of how to address it. Dodoma has positioned itself as a strategic region for sunflower production, and through irrigation, farmers can cultivate up to three times a year,” she said.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Industries, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock, Ms Mariam Ditopile, and CCM Dodoma Regional Secretary Pili Mbaga, praised the government and President Samia for investing heavily in irrigation agriculture.