DEPUTY Minister for Industry and Trade, Exaud Kigahe has showered praise on partners of Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) through their growing crop and animal value chains within the corridor.
Speaking on Sunday at the John Mwakangale Fair Grounds when he toured the ‘SAGCOT Square’ in the on-going NaneNane Agricultural Exhibitions 2023, Mr Kigahe said SAGCOT and its partners have increased crop and animal production.
“I am very much impressed with your partnership which has contributed significantly to the growth and development of agriculture sector. And your presence here shows your commitment in fostering commercial farming,” Mr Kigahe said.
He called on the partners especially on strategic crops like avocado and round Irish potatoes be locally processed before they are exported to help to add value to the crops.
“I and other visitors have witnessed your partnership and commitment toward liberating the agriculture sector. I have also met your partners including development partners and learnt a lot from them,” he said.
The deputy minister also wanted SAGCOT partners on avocado value chains to consider producing oil through avocados and also continue training farmers on the importance of embracing commercial farming.
Earlier, briefing the deputy minister Kigahe, SAGCOT Manager of Policy, Mr Khalid Mgalamo said SAGCOT through its partners used also the exhibitions to introduce new potato seedlings.
“SAGCOT and our partners have been part of the NaneNane Exhibitions through ‘SAGCOT Square’ and becoming centre of attraction for farmers and visitors who come in big numbers,” explained Mr Mgalamo, who represented the SAGCOT Managing Director, Mr Geoffrey Kirenga.
Mr Mgalamo said the deputy minister Kigahe asked SAGCOT and its partners to expand coverage to other areas countrywide while promoting and provide training on commercial farming to farmers.
“Our partners include the private, the government through its institutions and development partners. We are all here at SAGCOT Square,” Mr Mgalamo said, noting that there are over 40 partners.
According to the manager, the value chains present at the SAGCOT Square were from poultry, milk, soya beans, avocado, sunflower, maize, rice, potatoes, tomatoes and several others.
