Tanzania Boosts Agricultural Transformation: Minister Bashe Hands Over Vehicles and Water Drilling Rigs Worth TZS 4.2 Billion

By A Correspondent

Dodoma, May 12, 2025 – In a bold step to fast-track Tanzania’s Agenda 10/30 and enhance service delivery across the agriculture sector, the Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe (MP), has officially handed over 38 vehicles and 7 advanced water well drilling rigs worth a combined TZS 4.2 billion. The ceremony, held in Dodoma, signals the government’s deepening commitment to food systems transformation and the empowerment of smallholder farmers.

“These investments are not just logistical—they are strategic tools to fuel a more efficient, inclusive, and climate-resilient agricultural system,” stated Minister Bashe during the handover ceremony.

Targeted Support Across Key Institutions

The vehicles were allocated to strengthen the operational capacity of several agricultural regulatory and development bodies, each playing a crucial role in Tanzania’s agricultural transformation agenda:

• 14 vehicles were handed to the Crop Regulatory Authority (COPRA) to improve oversight and curb cross-border smuggling of crops.
• 5 vehicles were allocated to the Cooperative Audit and Supervision Corporation (COASCO) to enhance monitoring of cooperative societies and grassroots farmer organizations.
• 2 vehicles were provided to the Tanzania Sisal Board, reinforcing support to the sisal industry and value chain revitalization.

In addition, 20 vehicles were retained by the Ministry of Agriculture to bolster internal operations and field coordination at national and regional levels.

Water Access for Smallholder Farmers

A major highlight of the event was the handover of 7 heavy-duty drilling rigs to the National Irrigation Commission (NIRC). These rigs—some capable of drilling up to 1,800 meters—will be used to increase irrigation access by drilling wells for smallholder farmers across the country.

This move aligns with the government’s broader input subsidy program which, beyond seeds and fertilizers, now includes direct support for well drilling and mechanization services.

A Whole-of-Government Commitment

The handover ceremony was attended by a high-level delegation, including:

• Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Hon. David Silinde (MP)
• Permanent Secretary, Mr. Gerald Mweli
• Deputy Permanent Secretary for Crops and Food Security, Dr. Hussein Mohamed Omar
• Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Industry, Trade, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Mariam Ditopile (MP)
• Representatives from the Ministry’s boards, agencies, and institutions

This broad participation reflects the whole-of-government approach to transforming Tanzania’s agricultural sector