editor
The Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe, has emphasized the importance of initiating national discussions aimed at reviewing the structure of the agricultural sector, particularly with the goal of increasing youth involvement in agricultural activities.
Hon. Bashe stated that Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) should take the lead in conducting these discussions, as the institution has been a hub of agricultural experts. He added that more than 200 youths involved in the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) program have already started making significant changes in the agricultural sector through their participation.
“We view these young people with great optimism due to the success we have witnessed. We plan to provide them with the opportunity to distribute seeds and inputs to farmers, as they have shown great trustworthiness towards the government,” said Hon. Bashe.
Also Read: Bashe Launches Football Tournament to Develop Talents
SUA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Raphael Chibunda, urged the government to amend laws and regulations concerning biotechnology, particularly GMO seeds, to give researchers more freedom to conduct their studies without hindrance.
“Currently, environmental laws state that if any problem arises from the use of GMO seeds, the researcher will be held personally liable. This situation discourages our researchers,” said Prof. Chibunda.
Additionally, Engineer Tito Edimund, the Managing Director of the Youth Agricultural Business Company in Mvomero District, requested Hon. Bashe to create plans that empower young people not part of the BBT program so they can participate in productive agriculture with financial support from the government.
