Government Allocates TZS 31 Billion for Agricultural Research to Address Sector Challenges

In a significant move to bolster the agricultural sector, the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, announced that the government has allocated TZS 31 billion for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The funds are designated to empower the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) in addressing various challenges facing the agricultural sector.

Minister Bashe stated that the allocated funds will enable TARI to renovate and construct infrastructure that will facilitate modern farming for farmers. This initiative also includes the procurement of advanced equipment and the provision of training for laboratory experts and researchers. The training is aimed at equipping them with the skills to develop technologies that will help tackle climate change, particularly in improving soil health and developing drought-resistant, pest, and disease-resistant seeds.

Additionally, Minister Bashe emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture, through TARI, has been conducting investigations into the challenges facing the production of food and cash crops, particularly soil health, diseases, and pests. The aim is to identify potential risks for the relevant season and provide advice to agricultural stakeholders on how to mitigate these risks.

Minister Bashe made these remarks in Parliament, Dodoma, in response to a question from Special Seats MP Neema Mwandabila, who inquired about the government's strategy for researching agricultural and cash crops to identify seasonal challenges.

This strategic allocation and focus on research are expected to significantly enhance the capacity of Tanzania's agricultural sector to adapt to emerging challenges and ensure sustainable production.