Donald Lukele
Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe (MP), has presented the estimates of revenue and expenditure for the Ministry of Agriculture for the agricultural year 2024/2025.
Representing the Ministry, Minister Hussein Bashe highlighted that food production in the 2022/2023 agricultural season fulfilled the food requirements of 16,390,404 tons for the year 2023/2024, with a surplus of 4,011,611 tons.
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This achievement has led to the nation attaining 124% food self-sufficiency, an increase from 114% in 2022/2023. Notably, the production of various crops, particularly tobacco, has risen from 70,690 tons in 2021/2022 to 125,592 tons, with projections to reach 200,000 tons in the upcoming season.
Regarding Fertilizer Subsidies, Minister Bashe announced plans to continue providing fertilizer and pesticide subsidies for all crops in the year 2024/2025. The Government aims to import 1,086,115 tons of fertilizer through TFRA and distribute them to farmers under the subsidy program until 2025/2026. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance the farmer registration system to strengthen fertilizer distribution.
In terms of Irrigation Infrastructure, the Ministry plans to rehabilitate irrigation systems in 33 schemes covering 6,089 hectares, benefiting 4,693 farmers. Construction of irrigation infrastructure in strategic valleys covering approximately 255,181 hectares will also continue.
Addressing Employment Issues, Minister Hussein Bashe highlighted that the agricultural sector recorded a growth of 4.2% in 2023, contributing 26.5% to the Gross Domestic Product and providing employment to an average of 65.6% of citizens. The sector also supplied 65% of industrial raw materials.
On the issue of Sugar Shortage, the Minister(Hussein Bashe) emphasised the Government’s commitment to prevent a recurrence of the problem. Measures will be taken to safeguard domestic industries and ensure food security for Tanzanians.
The Ministry of Agriculture has requested a budget of Tsh 1,248,961,680,000 for the year 2024/2025.
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