Agriculture Ministry Rolls Out Tech Initiative Nationwide

The Ministry of Agriculture has unveiled the distribution of 3500 cutting-edge handheld devices and Point of Sale (POS) systems signals a paradigm shift in Tanzania’s agricultural landscape, promising unprecedented levels of efficiency, accountability, and innovation.

The initiative launched, in the vibrant community of Mtumba, Dodoma, witnessed the convergence of prominent figures from across the agricultural spectrum, underscoring the significance of this transformative endeavor. Among the esteemed attendees were the Minister of Agriculture, Honorable Hussein Bashe, and a cohort of regional leaders, each echoing the government’s unwavering commitment to catalyzing agricultural growth and sustainability.

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Hussein Bashe, in his impassioned address, reiterated the administration’s ambitious goals of propelling the agricultural sector to new heights, with aims to contribute a substantial 10% to the national GDP and achieve a commendable 2.3 billion in agricultural exports. Emphasizing the pivotal role of technology in achieving these objectives, the Minister highlighted the pivotal role of the distributed handheld devices in facilitating seamless farmer registration within input distribution systems and streamlining critical soil health testing processes.

The significance of this technological intervention extends far beyond mere operational efficiency; it represents a concerted effort to address longstanding challenges plaguing the agricultural sector, including rampant theft and a lack of accountability. Bashe called upon regional leaders, including Regional Commissioners, District Commissioners, and Permanent Secretaries, to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Agriculture in ensuring the effective implementation of all agricultural projects. He underscored the importance of robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that ministry personnel fulfill their assigned duties diligently and transparently.

The resonance of Minister Bashe’s sentiments was palpable throughout the ceremony, as evidenced by the resounding commendation offered by Honorable Martin Shigela, Chairman of the Regional Commissioners and the esteemed Regional Commissioner of Geita. In his address, Honorable Shigela lauded President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her unwavering commitment to advancing the agriculture sector, citing the notable increase in budget allocation from 970.8 billion in the 2023/2024 financial year to a formidable 1.24 trillion in the 2024/2025 financial year. This substantial investment, he noted, is a testament to the government’s steadfast resolve to prioritize agriculture as a cornerstone of Tanzania’s socio-economic development agenda.

Further affirming the transformative potential of agricultural initiatives, Honorable Rosemary Senyamule, Regional Commissioner of Dodoma, delivered an impassioned call to action, urging citizens to embrace agriculture as a pathway to prosperity. She highlighted the myriad opportunities emerging from irrigation projects valued at approximately 146 billion Tanzanian shillings, which have been meticulously implemented across the region. By fostering a culture of agricultural entrepreneurship and innovation, she emphasized, Tanzania can harness its abundant natural resources to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.

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The launch event, characterized by its palpable spirit of collaboration and collective determination, underscored the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders to usher in a new era of agricultural excellence and prosperity. From Regional Commissioners to Permanent Secretaries, from agricultural officers to government representatives, the shared vision of a vibrant, resilient agricultural sector emerged as a beacon of hope and possibility.

As government embarks on this transformative journey, propelled by the promise of technology and the power of collective action, it stands poised to unlock the boundless potential of its agricultural heritage. Through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering determination, the nation is poised to chart a course towards a future where agriculture not only sustains livelihoods but also serves as a catalyst for national progress and prosperity.