The Tanzanian government has invested 33.9bn/- in the Mwamkulu irrigation project in Mpanda Municipal Council, Katavi Region. The project aims to expand irrigated farming to 3,500 hectares and increase the number of beneficiary farmers from 300 to 1,500. Minister for Agriculture, Daniel Chongolo, revealed this during his working visit to the project. The investment targets to give farmers reliable water supplies and reduce dependence on rainfall.
The Mwamkulu irrigation project is currently 83 per cent complete and is expected to cover about 8,600 acres. This will significantly increase rice production in the area. According to Minister Chongolo, the project will enable farmers to produce rice two to three times a year, raising production and household incomes. The expansion is part of the government’s wider ambition to have five million hectares under irrigation by 2030.
The government plans 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. Minister Chongolo mentioned that this will be a significant step towards achieving the government's goals. The project also includes the construction of a modern warehouse with a storage capacity of 4,000 tonnes of grain.
The construction of the modern warehouse is 90 per cent complete. Mpanda District Commissioner, Jamila Yusuph, expressed that the project has raised new hopes among residents by creating opportunities for employment, businesses, markets, and increased incomes. The expanded irrigation scheme is expected to give the local economy a further boost.
With the project's completion, farmers in Mpanda are expected to experience improved livelihoods. The increased rice production will not only benefit the local community but also contribute to the country's food security. Minister Chongolo's visit to the project site demonstrated the government's commitment to monitoring and implementing development projects.
The Mwamkulu irrigation project is a significant investment in the agricultural sector, demonstrating the government's efforts to modernize farming practices. By reducing dependence on rainfall, farmers will be able to plan and manage their crops more effectively. This will lead to increased crop yields and better quality produce.
The project's impact is expected to be felt beyond the agricultural sector, with potential benefits to the local economy and community. As the project nears completion, residents are eagerly awaiting its full implementation. The government's investment in the Mwamkulu irrigation project is a positive step towards achieving its development goals.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government has invested 33.9bn/- in the Mwamkulu irrigation project to expand irrigated farming to 3,500 hectares in Mpanda.
- The project aims to increase the number of beneficiary farmers from 300 to 1,500 and enable them to produce rice two to three times a year.
- The government plans to install a model processing machine and construct a modern warehouse with a storage capacity of 4,000 tonnes of grain.
