President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced that the government has empowered its seed production centers to ensure that by 2025, three-quarters of the seeds used in the country are locally produced.
She made this statement while responding to a question from a young attendee at the 2023 African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC). The question sought to understand the Tanzanian government’s plans for using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in agriculture and how to attract young people to the agricultural sector.
President Samia further explained that these seeds have been certified and are known for their resilience to climate change, as they are tailored to suit the specific soil conditions of farmers.
Additionally, she highlighted the use of ICT in irrigation systems, where precise and efficient irrigation methods are employed to provide crops with the required amount of water at the right time.
President Samia also mentioned that ICT will play a crucial role in modernising the storage of farmers’ produce. The government plans to build state-of-the-art storage facilities equipped with machinery to regulate moisture levels in grains, thereby preventing mold contamination.
Moreover, ICT will be utilized to access accurate market information, and farming practices will be technologically enhanced to streamline land preparation for harvesting. This advancement will provide young farmers with the pride of using automated devices capable of multitasking.
Furthermore, President Samia emphasized that agricultural extension officers have been equipped with specialized equipment for soil health testing. This service will be extended to every farmer, enabling them to make informed decisions about fertilizer and seed choices.
In summary, President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural practices through the use of ICT, ensuring local seed production, and providing young farmers with the tools and information needed to thrive in the sector.