DODOMA, Aug 3 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called upon farmers across the country to intensify crop production efforts to ensure the country continues maintaining food self-sufficiency, including producing surplus for export to exploit the available market.
The Head of State said farmers should continue producing both cash and food crops, as to date both are considered as cash crops.
Samia made the remarks while addressing a public rally after inaugurating the Gairo District Hospital, as part of the activities scheduled for her week-long tour of the Morogoro Region.
“I encourage farmers to continue producing both cash and food crops, as nowadays all crops are considered cash crops. Even pigeon peas are now a cash crop… produce more maize, pigeon peas, beans and other crops because the market is available,” she said.
The President noted that Tanzania, through the efforts of all the farmers in the country, can achieve food self-sufficiency at a rate of 120 per cent. “When we reach this level, it will mean that every Tanzanian does not lack food throughout the year, and we will have an addition of 20 per cent of produce available for export and we have started exporting”.
Regarding the construction of the 3.5bn/- Gairo District Hospital, President Samia expressed satisfaction with the expenditure of the funds allocated for the project.
The hospital includes an administrative building, outpatient building, laboratory, laundry, X-ray room, maternity ward and pharmacy.
The President also informed Gairo residents that the government had already allocated 34bn/- for execution of water projects to ensure availability of the precious liquid in the district. She noted that contracts have already been signed and the work has already begun.
She also said the government has constructed a substation at Kongwa area in Dodoma in efforts to address power outage in the area.
‘Your government is committed to bringing development to the people and now I urge you to continue maintaining peace and tranquility so that your leaders can work comfortably and focus more on development matters,” said Dr Samia.
While at Dumila, President Samia told the residents that the government has devised strategies to address land conflicts between farmers and livestock keepers.
“The conflicts between farmers and livestock keepers remain a challenge, but we are going to address them. The good news is that tomorrow (today) we are going to launch a campaign dubbed ‘Tutunzane’ in Mvomero District. The campaign aims to encourage farmers and livestock keepers to take care of one another instead of fighting and hindering development. Therefore, as I launch this campaign, I would like it to be implemented throughout the Morogoro Region.”
President Samia also inaugurated Berega Bridge in Kilosa District, which connects the area with Kilindi District in Tanga Region.
She said the construction of the bridge will help to solve and reduce numerous challenges faced by the residents of the area especially during rainy season.
“This bridge is very important to the people of Kilosa because, as good farmers, you harvest well. Instead of using motorcycles to transport your crops, large trucks will now be able to pass here and carry your crops in bulk, which will help your business to thrive.”
The Head of State further urged the residents of Kilosa to take care of the bridge and avoid activities along the river, such as sand quarrying, which could lead to the bridge’s deterioration.
For his part, Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Mohamed Mchengerwa, commended President Samia for implementing a significant number of development projects in the region.
He highlighted that within just three years, President Samia has managed to build 32 health centres, one district hospital and invest in education infrastructure, bringing services closer to the people.
‘In this short period, you have successfully built 32 health centres and allocated over 9 billion/- for the construction of the district hospital, which serves more than 32,000 residents of Gairo. In this brief time, the hospital has already attended to over 900 patients,’ he said.” — NNN-DAILYNEWS
