Southern Highlands food output hits 219pc target
MBEYA: FINANCE Minister Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar has said the Southern Highlands Zone has achieved 219 per cent of the national food production target, describing the performance as a major boost to the country’s food security efforts.
Speaking at the climax of the 2026 Southern Highlands Nanenane exhibitions at the John Mwakangale Grounds in Mbeya, Ambassador Khamis said strong food crop production in the zone had enabled it to surpass the national target of 130 per cent.
“The Southern Highlands has recorded outstanding food production and reached 219 per cent of the national production level,” he said.
The minister attributed the achievement to increased government investment in agriculture, noting that the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget had risen from 276.7 billion shillings in previous years to more than one trillion shillings currently.
He said agriculture contributes about a quarter of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and supports the livelihoods of between 60 and 65 per cent of Tanzanians.
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“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and its growth is essential for employment, food security and industrial development,” he said.
Ambassador Khamis added that the agricultural sector grew by 3.7 per cent in 2024 and increased to 5.5 per cent in 2025.
More than 400 agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, livestock keepers, financial institutions, seed producers and companies providing modern farming technologies, participated in the exhibitions held under the theme “Know the Market, Increase Productivity to Implement Vision 2050.”
Mbeya Regional Commissioner Advocate Beno Malisa said about 90 per cent of residents in the region are engaged in agriculture and related value-chain activities.
“Agriculture remains the main economic activity for the majority of our people, and we are committed to supporting increased productivity and market access,” he said.
The Regional Commissioner also thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for continued support to the agricultural sector through increased budget allocations.
Farmers who attended the exhibitions said the event had helped them learn improved farming practices, modern technologies and available financial services, while also creating opportunities to connect with produce buyers and other agricultural stakeholders.
