Tanzania: Address missing link in `Kilimo Kwanza` - tool impoters

Most farmers, particularly those in rural areas are not likely to benefit from Kilimo Kwanza, if serious steps will not be taken to make them aware of the programme needs.

This was revealed on Friday by Anver Rajpar, an agricultural implements importer, who was speaking during a symposium on Kilimo Kwanza (Agriculture First). The symposium was organised by Tanzania-India Friendship Association (TIFA).

“There is need for the government to support these people because they are the ones who will bear the brunt of agricultural transformation,” he said.

Also it is estimated that 80 per cent of Tanzania’s population lives in the rural areas and it is engaged in farming activities.

Apart from that majority of them don’t have enough capital to purchase farming tools, are not familiar with the benefits of the new farming and they do not have mechanical and farming equipment like tractors to work with them, he said.

Although the government has already encouraged importation of tractors, tillers and other farming equipment by waving the duty, but presently machinery spare parts are not duty free, he noted.

“As government and stakeholders engaged in this sector, we need to help these farmers so that they can benefit from farming, achieve food self-sufficiency for sustained stability and development as well as change their mindset and produce value added exports,” he said.

Although private firms have managed to clear their goods from ports in reasonable time, semi-autonomous bodies have not, he said, noting that in such circumstance it is difficult to help these people move from outdated farming to modern farming

He also noted that although district councils have bought power tillers, presently many of them have not yet been distributed to farmers in many parts of the country, he said noting that more efforts ought to be put in this area.

“As businessmen we thank the Indian government for the assistance,” he said, adding, “although India has supported Tanzania to meet its plans, these tractors are yet to reach the farmers and I understand that this is due to mismanagement or negligence of the importer.”

He said: “It is sad to see that those tractors are lying at the port area uncleared since October 2010, incurring heavy charges.”

“Perhaps, the High Commissioner of India may find it necessary to take an interest and assist the authorities in ensuring that something is done to facilitate their clearance without any further delay,” he said.

He also noted that although the government encourages agriculture through Kilimo Kwanza, still farmers are at the mercy of rain seasons which are at best unreliable.

Due to this, more efforts are needed to have proper irritation systems and water preservation methods so that farmers can embark on agricultural activities more effectively.

“Zimbabwe is a good example of this, Tanzania can learn from this and other countries,” he said.

The government should also put in place banking institution such as the agricultural bank to support farmers who are facing problems of capital, he said.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN