Dar es Salaam: Empowering youth to enter the agricultural sector through sound policies and advanced technology has become a crucial agricultural agenda in the country. Hon. Hussein Bashe, the Minister of Agriculture, recently announced this at the opening of a stakeholder meeting organized by the African Agriculture Transformation Initiative (AATI).
Minister Bashe also inaugurated the Agricultural Transformation Office, which will establish the country’s master plan for transformation in the agricultural sector. This master plan will serve as a guide for the direction of the agricultural sector in the nation.
During the opening, Hon. Bashe emphasized the idea of involving youth and women through sound policies and modern technology to attract young people to participate in the agricultural sector. As a sector with significant potential for driving economic growth and reducing poverty, agriculture’s appeal to young people could have transformative effects.
“Involving the youth in agriculture through modern technologies is not only about rejuvenating the sector but also about tackling unemployment, fueling economic growth, and harnessing the incredible potential of our country,” said Minister Bashe. He highlighted that integrating technology in farming practices, combined with implementing beneficial policies, could make agriculture more appealing to the younger generation and help solve some of the pressing issues the country is facing.
Adopting modern agricultural technologies such as precision farming, the use of drones for crop monitoring, and digital platforms for market access can create an environment where youth can thrive and be productive. By leveraging these advancements, young people will not only be contributors to the agricultural industry but also innovators and leaders driving its transformation.
The move to integrate young people and women into the agricultural sector through sound policies and modern technology, as expressed by Minister Bashe, reflects a necessary shift in perspective. Recognizing the role of these groups in advancing the agricultural sector promotes inclusivity, sparks innovation, and boosts economic development. This initiative serves as a reminder that the agricultural sector’s transformation is intertwined with the country’s overall progression.