Dodoma, December 10, 2025 — The Government has called on all agricultural institutions to ensure that ongoing projects, especially irrigation initiatives, generate tangible results that improve farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen the national economy. This directive was issued by the Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Daniel Chongolo (MP), during a working session with leaders from the Agricultural Transformation Office (ATO), the National Irrigation Commission (NIRC), the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF), and the Agricultural Inputs Trust Fund (AGITF).
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Chongolo emphasized that agricultural projects must demonstrate real impact by increasing productivity, lowering production costs, and enabling farmers to earn incomes that transform their lives. “Agricultural projects must be a vehicle that lifts farmers out of poverty — not one that holds them back. We want to see positive outcomes, higher yields, and improved farmer earnings,” he said.
NIRC Given Firm Directives
The Minister instructed the National Irrigation Commission to ensure all irrigation projects are completed on time and meet required quality standards. He stressed that the Government has invested substantial resources in irrigation infrastructure, and therefore the projects must deliver clear benefits to farmers and the country.
He further directed NIRC to strengthen close monitoring of all projects to identify challenges early and implement corrective measures. In addition, NIRC has been ordered to begin mapping all rivers in Tanzania that could support irrigation expansion, a move expected to significantly boost crop production nationwide.
AGITF Urged to Strengthen Loan Delivery and Recovery
For the Agricultural Inputs Trust Fund (AGITF), Minister Chongolo called for the continuation of productive, farmer-friendly loans while improving loan recovery rates. He noted that strong repayment performance will allow the Government to inject more capital into the fund, enabling it to reach a greater number of farmers across the country.
ATO Commended for the Agriculture Master Plan 2050
The Minister praised the Agricultural Transformation Office for its work on the comprehensive Agriculture Master Plan 2050, describing it as an essential blueprint for the transformation of Tanzania’s agricultural sector. He instructed the office to accelerate implementation efforts, provide continuous technical advice, and ensure the plan drives progress at all levels of the sector.
ADF Recognized as Key to Resource Mobilization
Minister Chongolo also acknowledged the efforts of the Agricultural Development Fund in mobilizing financial resources that will accelerate development projects in the country. He affirmed that the Government will continue strengthening coordination and oversight of all agricultural institutions to ensure Tanzania achieves its goal of growing the agriculture sector to 10% of GDP by 2030.
Overall, the meeting reinforced a renewed commitment to accountability, efficiency, and innovation in delivering agricultural projects — with one central message from the Government: