President Samia To Launch Installation Project For Center Pivot Irrigation At ASA's Kilimi Seeds Real Estate In Tabora Region

 

By  Valentine Oforo

PRESIDENT Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to inaugurate the project for the installation of the modern irrigation scheme ( Center Pivot Irrigation Machines -CPIM), at the Agricultural Seeds Agency (ASA) farm  in Nzega district of Tabora Region.

The envisaged event has been scheduled to take place on October 17 at the ASA's Kilimi Seeds farm based in Nzega District in Tabora Region.

Center-pivot irrigation (sometimes called central pivot irrigation), also called water-wheel and circle irrigation, is a method of crop irrigation in which equipment rotates around a pivot and crops are watered with sprinklers.

 

Briefing Semamedia over the development,  ASA's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Sophia Kashenge informed that the 6.3bn/- worth project at the vast farm in Nzega district has already seen at least 220 hectares installed with the high-tech Irrigation facilities,  being it first phase.

According to her, the second phase will involve a total of 180 hectares, bringing up to a total of 400 hectares available at the farm.

"Preparations for the launching of the project continues at impressive and professional manner, and we are very thankful for the way President Samia has always been there to ensure the Agency run its activities at deserved standards and speed in order to heighten the country’s seed production sector, " she expressed.

Working in sync with the Ministry of agriculture,  Dr. Kashenge unveiled that the state-owned seed Agency was also implementing the similar helpful project at it numerous seed farms across the country.

"At the Arusha's Ngaramtoni seed farm the project is currently at 50 percent, the ongoing project works to  install a total of 200 hactares, as well as at the Morogoro-based Msimba farm located in Kilosa districts, " she briefed.

Dr Kashenge observed that the ongoing projects will cover a total of 800 hectares at the three seed farms, to gobble up to 18bn/- upon completion.

Soon after President Samia to launch the modern irrigation technology at the Kilimi farm, she said the facility will soon start to operate.

"Completion of these projects will play meaningful role to help increase seeds production sector as the Agency will stand a chance to produce seeds varieties for diverse crops throughout the year," she informed.

She briefed that, demand for seed supply in the  2023/24 season stands at approximately 124,000 tons, whereby the availability is only 44,000 tons.

"Literally, the trend communicating a clear message over the need for increased production, as well as efforts to strengthen working ties with the private sector in order to scale up the scope in the production of quality seeds," Dr Kashenge said.

According to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, David Silinde, expressed the government's main objectives is to ensure  the country is making potential development in the production of key seeds for numerous crops.

"President Samia Suluhu Hassan is working hard, and very determined to assure the country produces enough improved seeds, to quench the thirst of home demand, but also standing a possible side to start exporting to other countries," the Minister informed. 

He spoke over the need for the stakeholders in the private sector to chip in and cooperate with ASA to heighten the extent and quality of seed production in the country.