Protect Kiru–Magara Irrigation project, farmers told
MANYARA: FARMERS from four wards implementing the Kiru–Magara Valley Irrigation Project in Babati District, Manyara Region, have been urged to protect the irrigation infrastructure so that it can benefit future generations.
The farmers from the wards of Kiru, Kisangaji, Magugu and Magara were encouraged to safeguard the project since it is a major step toward ensuring food security.
The Manyara Regional Irrigation Engineer from the National Irrigation Commission (NIC), Mr Richard Mgaya, stated that the government, through the NIC under the Ministry of Agriculture, is planning to conduct a feasibility study and detailed design for the Kiru–Magara Valley.
He explained that the purpose of the feasibility study and detailed design is to obtain accurate cost estimates for the construction of the Kiru–Magara Valley irrigation infrastructure, from which farmers in those wards will benefit.
“Through this programme, the government will be able to enhance and improve this valley to increase productivity for farmers, in line with the Ministry’s 10/30 Agenda that by the year 2030, the agricultural sector should contribute 10 per cent to the national GDP,” Mr Mgaya said.
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According to him, the local community and farmers will benefit from the project, while the government will also benefit through agricultural taxes. He elaborated that the feasibility study and design will cover 40,000 hectares, on which irrigation infrastructure will be built to benefit farmers.
He also mentioned that currently, the valley has a total of 35,000 farmers, but once the irrigation infrastructure is improved, that number is expected to rise to over 80,000.
“At present, farmers in the valley harvest an average of 2.5 tonnes of rice per acre, but once the infrastructure is completed, they are expected to harvest over 5 tonnes per acre,” Mr Mgaya pointed out.
He added: “Farmers should cooperate with technical advisors and provide accurate information that will help determine the actual construction costs of the infrastructure, as the government’s goal is to increase and improve access to reliable water.”
Earlier, the Manyara Region launched a programme to drill 40 deep irrigation wells across 40 villages in the five districts of Simanjiro, Kiteto, Mbulu, Hanang and Babati, aiming to achieve the targets of the 10/30 Agenda.
The programme under the NIC is expected to benefit many citizens in the first phase. When launching the programme, Manyara Regional Commissioner Queen Sendiga said the project will enhance food security and promote productive agriculture in the region.
She also urged the District Executive Directors and the Regional Engineer NIC, Mr Mgaya, to ensure proper supervision of the project in which the government has invested a significant amount of money.
“As a region, in the 2025/26 financial year budget, more than 85bn/- have been allocated for irrigationrelated activities. If you supervise it well, you will surely see its impact,” she added.
