State to construct 100 dams to boost irrigation

DODOMA: THE government plans to construct 100 dams across the country in the 2025/26 financial year to maximise the use of areas suitable for irrigation and enhance agricultural productivity, lawmakers heard in Dodoma yesterday.

According to Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Mr David Silinde, Mtwara Region alone has 16,644 hectares suitable for irrigation, however, only 3,848.6 hectares are currently under irrigation, despite the region’s vast agricultural potential.

He revealed this in the National Assembly in Dodoma while responding to a question by Special Seats MP Tunza Malapo (CCM), who inquired about the number of hectares suitable for irrigation in Mtwara Region.

The deputy minister explained that out of the figure, a total of 1,337.8 hectares benefits from modern irrigation infrastructure developed by the government, while 2,510.8 hectares depend on traditional canals.

Overall, Mtwara Region has 1,421,200 hectares under agricultural use. “The government is working hard to expand irrigation schemes to increase productivity and efficiency for farmers in the region,” Mr Silinde affirmed.

The MP also wanted to know what measures are in place to ensure that existing irrigation infrastructure is fully utilised year-round.

Responding, the deputy minister noted that the government is conducting feasibility studies and preparing designs for the 16,644 hectares identified in Mtwara to determine the actual cost of developing the irrigation systems before engaging contractors.

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He further explained that in areas with idle irrigation infrastructure, the government plans to construct dams to harvest water from rivers and rainfall.

This initiative will ensure that the schemes can operate during both rainy and dry seasons.

“To address the challenge, the government has included the construction of 100 dams in the 2025/26 national budget. This will enable year-round farming activities across the country,” Mr Silinde stressed.

In a supplementary question, Special Seats MP Sophia Mwakagenda asked whether the same project would be implemented in Mbarali District, a key area for rice cultivation.

The Deputy Minister confirmed Mbarali is part of the national irrigation development plan.

“We are implementing the project in Mbarali because we understand the strategic importance of the Mbarali basin for rice production,” he said.

Meanwhile, Special Seats MP Ester Bulaya (CHADEMA) inquired about plans to support rice farmers in Bunda by constructing a dam to increase productivity.

Mr Silinde said that feasibility studies and designs have already been completed in Bunda and the next step is mobilising funds for implementation.

He added that feasibility work is ongoing in other areas and, once completed, the government will seek financing and contractors to move forward with the dam construction projects.