Rice, maize growers see fortune in the 33.9bn/- Mwamkulu irrigation scheme

MPANDA: THE construction of the Mwamkulu irrigation scheme in Mpanda Municipality is currently underway at a cost of  33.9bn/-, intending to increase agricultural production, particularly rice and maize.

These details were provided on March 16, 2026, by the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, David Silinde, in Mpanda during the conclusion of a four-day working visit by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, in the Katavi Region.

Providing an update on the project, Silinde stated that the Mwamkulu irrigation scheme has reached 70 percent completion. He added that the construction of a dam is part of the project, aimed at ensuring a reliable supply of water for irrigation activities.

On a related policy issue, Silinde addressed crop levy regulations, emphasizing that government directives stipulate that farmers transporting produce of less than one tonne for household consumption—not for commercial purposes—should not be subjected to any levies or fines. He noted that local government authorities are responsible for enforcing this directive to safeguard citizens’ interests.

Regarding tobacco pricing, Silinde explained that prices are determined based on production costs incurred by farmers as well as global market conditions. He noted that the process involves multiple stakeholders to ensure farmers receive fair value for their produce.

Additionally, the Deputy Minister confirmed receiving directives from Prime Minister Nchemba to take disciplinary action against leaders of the Ilangu AMCOS primary cooperative who were implicated in the misappropriation of fertilizer funds during the 2024/2025 agricultural season. He stated that the officials should be removed from leadership positions, despite having refunded the misused funds.