Tanzania invests 33.9bn/- to bolster irrigation of 3,500 hectares of farms in Mpanda

MPANDA: THE Tanzanian government has invested a total of 33.9bn/- in the Mwamkulu irrigation project in Mpanda Municipal Council, Katavi Region, targeting to expand irrigated farming to 3,500 hectares and increase the number of beneficiary farmers from 300 to 1,500.

This was revealed by the Minister for Agriculture, Daniel Chongolo during his working visit to the project noting that the investment is aimed at giving farmers reliable water supplies and reducing dependence on rainfall.

According to the minister, the project will enable farmers to produce rice two to three times a year, raising production and household incomes.

The project, which is currently 83 per cent complete, is expected to cover about 8,600 acres and significantly increase rice production in the area.

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“The expansion is part of the government’s wider ambition to have five million hectares under irrigation by 2030. The government’s plan is to install a model processing machine at the facility to ease crop processing, reduce post-harvest losses, add value to produce and widen market opportunities for farmers,” Mr Chongolo said

The project also includes construction of a modern warehouse with a storage capacity of 4,000 tonnes of grain, which is now 90 per cent complete.

Speaking earlier, Mpanda District Commissioner Jamila Yusuph said the project has raised new hopes among residents by creating opportunities for employment, businesses, markets and increased incomes, with the expanded irrigation scheme expected to give the local economy a further boost.