Govt allocates 9bn/- to establish irrigation farming in Tanganyika

THE government has allocated over 9bn/- for establishing irrigation farming at Kalilankulunkulu agricultural prison in Tanganyika District, Katavi Region.

The agriculture prison is famous for rice cultivation with the farming area spanning 500 acres.

Speaking after visiting and inspecting the facility, Tanganyika District Commissioner Mr Onesmo Buswelu said here at the weekend that by April this year, the government is expecting to disburse some 800m/- which will be spent on the construction of the water tank reservoir.

Mr Buswelo said the district administration will make close-up supervision over the project as it will not only benefit the facility but also the region and the nation at large.

On his side the facility chief in charge officer, SP Bosco Lupala explained that during the 2022/23 farming season, the facility has cultivated 150 acres of farmland

“Our projection is to harvest between 1,700 and 2,000 bags of rice which is equivalent to two tonnes of the produce.”

SP Lupala has lauded President Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating funds for developing the area saying such funds with address challenges the facility is facing.

We are expecting to increase the production of rice to a large extent because we are applying modern farming by using modern machineries,” he said.

On his part Tanganyika District Agriculture Officer, Mr Philemon Mwita said extension officers are continuing to educate farmers in the area on the right application of agricultural inputs including subsidised fertilisers.