ARUMERU WEST MP CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT VEHICLE SUPPORT FOR AGRICULTURAL OFFICERS

 ARUMERU WEST MP CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT VEHICLE SUPPORT FOR AGRICULTURAL OFFICERS

By Joseph Ngilisho | Dodoma

The Member of Parliament for Arumeru West, Dr. Johannes Lukumay, has urged the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture to provide a vehicle for agricultural extension officers in the constituency in order to enhance the delivery of professional advisory services to farmers.

Speaking in Parliament, Dr. Lukumay said the majority of residents in Arumeru West depend on agriculture and livestock keeping for their livelihoods, yet agricultural officers continue to face serious logistical challenges that limit their ability to reach farmers in remote areas.

He explained that the only vehicle currently available is no longer operational, a situation that has significantly affected extension services and delayed the provision of vital technical support needed to improve agricultural productivity.

“Most residents are farmers who require continuous guidance from agricultural experts. However, these officers are unable to effectively reach farmers due to the lack of reliable transportation. The existing vehicle is in poor condition,” Dr. Lukumay told Parliament.

The legislator further appealed to the Government to prioritize Arumeru West in the allocation of newly procured vehicles under the Ministry of Agriculture’s program aimed at strengthening extension services across the country.

Responding to the concerns, Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde said the Government has continued purchasing vehicles and motorcycles for agricultural and cooperative officers to improve extension services nationwide.

He noted that several regions have already benefited from the distribution of vehicles, adding that additional units have recently been received and will be allocated to areas with pressing needs, including Arumeru West.

“We have been procuring vehicles to improve mobility for agricultural officers in different parts of the country. Recently, we received additional vehicles, and the Government will consider deploying some of them to areas facing critical shortages, including Arumeru West,” said Silinde.

The Deputy Minister assured residents of Arumeru West that the Government is aware of the transportation challenges facing agricultural officers and remains committed to improving working conditions in order to enhance service delivery and support increased agricultural productivity.

**Ends**