Tanzania has allocated TZS 13 billion for subsidized NPK fertilizer- Hon Bashe

The residents of Ushetu District Council and Kahama District welcomed Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe (MP), with great enthusiasm on September 15, 2024, expressing their pride as farmers and their commitment to realizing the vision of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.

As he introduced Minister Bashe to address a public rally in Mbika village, Ushetu District Council, Shinyanga Regional Commissioner, Hon. Anamringi Macha, highlighted the government’s recent support for the region. This includes the arrival of four model houses for agricultural extension officers, uniforms, motorcycles, tablets, and soil testing equipment to enhance their work.

The Regional Commissioner also reminded citizens of the importance of electing good leaders in the upcoming local government elections. Leaders from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party applauded the Sixth Phase Government for implementing large-scale development projects worth billions, which have significantly improved the livelihoods of Shinyanga residents.

Ushetu MP, Hon. Emmanuel Cherehani, also known as the “Honey of Ushetu,” requested Minister Bashe to address issues related to tobacco farming, specifically the tree tax that burdens farmers. He suggested that the levy should be borne by buyers instead. Additionally, he called for a major water project to enable residents to benefit from irrigation farming, and stressed the need for cooperative societies in Ushetu to facilitate farmers’ registration.

In response, Minister Bashe acknowledged progress in the tobacco industry. “The government has allocated TZS 2 billion to begin constructing permanent barns for farmers. Tobacco companies will contribute TZS 40 for each kilogram they purchase to fund these structures,” said the Minister, emphasizing that the TZS 40 levy will not be charged to farmers. Instead, every registered tobacco buyer will cover this cost.

Minister Bashe also highlighted the government’s support for fertilizer subsidies. “Last season, President Dr. Samia allocated TZS 13 billion for subsidized NPK fertilizer, which the Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority (TFRA) will distribute based on the registration and actual needs of farmers,” he explained, adding that the subsidy program will continue for the next three years.

This visit showcased the government’s ongoing commitment to uplifting farmers in Ushetu and across the country, with a clear focus on improving infrastructure and supporting agricultural development initiatives.

Vodcell Company Directed to Pay Ushetu District Council TZS 362 Million in Seven Days

On September 15, 2024, the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe (MP), directed Vodcell Company to pay Ushetu District Council TZS 362 million within seven days. The amount is for the agricultural produce levy owed to the Council. This directive was issued during the Minister’s visit to Ushetu District Council in Shinyanga Region.

Addressing the residents during a public rally, Minister Bashe also shared the government’s commitment to constructing wells in four villages, with design work already underway to determine the best locations for drilling. Additionally, he announced that feasibility studies have begun for the Lake Victoria water project, which aims to install pipelines for irrigation purposes across several regions, including Tabora, Shinyanga, Mara, Singida, Dodoma, and others.

Minister Bashe urged the residents of Mbika village to refrain from building houses in low-lying areas to preserve agricultural and irrigation lands. “We will also construct dams and set aside specific areas for livestock,” he added.

Regarding the Primary Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) under the KACU Tobacco Cooperative Union, Minister Bashe encouraged farmers to register and submit their requirements to receive fertilizers distributed by the Tanzania Fertilizer Company (TFC).

This visit underscored the government’s dedication to resolving financial issues with stakeholders like Vodcell, as well as advancing agricultural and irrigation projects to support local farmers.