Magu farmers encouraged to intensify soybean production

MWANZA: FARMERS in Magu District have been advised to intensify soybean cultivation to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for industries operating in the district.

The call was made yesterday by the Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Dr Pius Chaya, during his visit to ROFI Farming Company Limited in Mwanza Region.

Dr Chaya urged farmers to expand soybean production to meet industrial demand and increase overall output, noting that the government continues to create a conducive environment for investors, while prioritising the availability of key raw materials, particularly soybeans used in animal feed manufacturing.

He stressed the need for closer cooperation between investors and soybean farmers, including direct investment by companies in farming activities, as a strategy to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Commenting on fish cage farming, Dr Chaya said the sector is growing rapidly, with more citizens increasingly engaging in agriculture and livestock keeping.

However, he acknowledged existing challenges related to market access for fish farming products and called for joint efforts between the government and other stakeholders to address the issue.

On her part, Magu District Commissioner, Ms Jubilate Lawuo, said residents have welcomed investments in the district, noting that at least 83 Magu residents have so far secured employment through various investment related activities.

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“Cooperation between the government, investors and farmers is a key pillar in strengthening the local economy and creating employment opportunities in Magu District and neighbouring areas,” she said.

On her part, a representative of ROFI Farming Company Limited, Ms Neziah Mussa, thanked the government for creating a conducive investment climate, which she said has expanded employment opportunities and strengthened the agriculture and livestock sectors. She added that the company produces fish feed and poultry feed.

Ms Mussa cited the rising cost of raw materials as a major challenge, saying it has increased production costs and negatively affected output.

“The increase in raw material prices has affected our production. We request the government’s support in addressing this challenge so that farmers and producers can benefit more,” she said.