[Dodoma, March 23, 2024] – The Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe, has led an important meeting of cotton industry stakeholders held at Morena Hotel, Dodoma on March 23, 2024. The meeting aimed to discuss the cotton crop and develop strategies that would enhance productivity and sales of the crop.
Participants commended the various steps taken by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan in promoting the Agricultural Sector; with cotton being part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s implementation efforts to uplift the crop.
During his speech, Minister Bashe stated, “The Sixth Phase Government is ready and committed to strengthening cooperatives to conduct business and eliminate farmers’ dependency on levies. Cooperatives are urged to initiate development projects.”
He also added that the Ministry of Agriculture will start a scheme to encourage Regions and Districts to increase productivity and efficiency in cotton through an “incentive scheme.” Districts or Regions that excel will be provided with agricultural tool centers to facilitate crop production services.
Minister Bashe highlighted the importance of holding such meetings twice a year to facilitate discussions before and after the planting season. Therefore, he requested stakeholders to also consider scheduling these meetings.
The Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hon. David Silinde, and the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Hussein Mohamed Omar.
Additionally, Regional Commissioners and District Commissioners from various cotton-producing areas in the country participated in the meeting, including those from Simiyu, Mwanza, Tanga, Singida, Geita, Tabora, Mara, Kigoma, Katavi, and Kagera.