Bashe Defends Farmers, Criticizes Mpina

Agriculture Minister Husein Bashe has called out Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina, urging him to show gratitude towards the government rather than stirring controversy in the agricultural sector, which he described as vital to Tanzania’s economy.

Bashe’s remarks followed Mpina’s claims, circulating in a viral video, that cotton seeds provided to farmers were fake and that cotton producers were being underpaid.

While on an official visit to Igunga District in Tabora Region, Bashe expressed frustration over Mpina’s actions, stating that he could not tolerate any disruption when it came to agriculture, a sector on which the majority of Tanzanians depend. He emphasized the need to protect the sector from misleading statements, reiterating that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to advance the sector should not be undermined.

“I have prepared myself to visit Kisesa and meet the farmers to understand the reality. I won’t tolerate dishonesty or jokes regarding agriculture because it affects many lives,” Bashe declared during a meeting with local stakeholders, including the Cotton Board, traders, investors, and cotton farmers.

The minister used the platform to announce the launch of the National Plan to Increase Cotton Production in Igunga, outlining the government’s strategy to enhance productivity and protect farmers’ livelihoods. He also pledged the construction of adequate irrigation infrastructure, including dams, to ensure reliable water supply for farmers, addressing long-standing concerns in the district.

Bashe further assured that the government’s efforts, particularly in the cotton industry, would ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their crops and that any obstacles would be tackled head-on. This includes Mpina’s allegations of unfair pricing and fake seeds, which the minister dismissed as baseless.

The tension between Bashe and Mpina reflects the government’s broader push to maintain progress in the agricultural sector. Bashe’s stance underscores a commitment to ensuring that agricultural policies remain free from political interference, focusing instead on delivering tangible benefits to farmers and the nation as a whole.