UK firm set to build modern agric-hubs in Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar government has unveiled a bold plan to modernise farming, livestock and forestry by building state-of-the-art agricultural centres in every district, with the support of a UK company.

Zanzibar’s Second VicePresident, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla made the announcement while closing the Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition at Kizimbani grounds, in Unguja West ‘A’ District.

The centres, part of the 2025–2030 Agricultural Transformation Plan, will provide training, modern farming methods and value-addition facilities to help farmers shift from subsistence to commercial agriculture.

“Irrigation upgrades in seven valleys across Unguja and Pemba have already increased paddy yields from an average of 3 tonnes per hectare to 11 tonnes,” Mr Abdulla said at the closing ceremony.

He stressed that agriculture is linked to key sectors such as trade, tourism, health, industry and environmental conservation, making its transformation a top priority.

He informed the enthusiastic gathering that the government is also distributing improved seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, tractors and offering farmer education and research. A newly launched “Kilimo TV” is connecting farmers, experts and other stakeholders with market-driven knowledge and technology.

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Zanzibar Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, National Resources and Livestock, Mr Shamata Shaame Khamis pledged to ensure timely, affordable services for farmers, praising the government’s investment in modern markets and rural roads to make it easier to get farm produce to market.

This year’s Nanenane fair attracted 400 exhibitors from Zanzibar and Tanzania mainland, with stakeholders urging the government to sustain the event, strengthen infrastructure and improve farmers’ access to inputs.