LUKUMAY RETURNS FROM EUROPE, URGES FARMERS TO SEIZE AGRICULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

LUKUMAY RETURNS FROM EUROPE, URGES FARMERS TO SEIZE AGRICULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

By Joseph Ngilisho | ARUSHA

ARUMERU West Member of Parliament, Dr Johannes Lembulung Lukumay, has urged farmers to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture, saying the government has invested more than Sh20 billion in subsidising seeds and fertiliser for farmers in the constituency.

Dr Lukumay said the investment reflects the government’s commitment, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, to transforming agriculture into a key driver of economic growth and improving the livelihoods of citizens.

He called on farmers to make effective use of the subsidies by increasing production, improving the quality of their produce and ultimately raising household incomes.

According to Dr Lukumay, more than Sh17 billion has been allocated to subsidise seeds, while approximately Sh3 billion has been spent on fertiliser subsidies.

Dr Lukumay made the remarks on August 8, 2026, during the climax of the Nanenane Farmers’ Day celebrations at Njiro Grounds in Arusha, where he interacted with farmers, entrepreneurs and members of the public after visiting the Arusha District Council pavilion.

He had arrived in the country shortly before the visit from London, United Kingdom.

“I sincerely thank President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to invest in agriculture and for her commitment to improving the lives of Tanzanians. In Arumeru West alone, the government has invested more than Sh17 billion in seed subsidies and Sh3 billion in fertiliser subsidies,” Dr Lukumay said.

He said the subsidies had helped reduce production costs for farmers and enabled them to access quality agricultural inputs, which could contribute to increased productivity and better-quality produce.

However, he urged farmers to complement the government’s investment by using seeds and fertilisers appropriately and following professional agricultural advice.

LUKUMAY URGES RESIDENTS TO TAKE UP LOANS

Dr Lukumay also urged residents, particularly women, youth and people with disabilities, to take advantage of loans provided by local government authorities and use them as capital to expand productive activities.

He said during his visit he met groups of women who had benefited from the loans and invested the funds in various economic activities, including farming, beekeeping and honey production.

“I urge them to register in their villages and apply for the council loans. These loans can help individuals increase their incomes and improve their economic wellbeing,” he said.

Dr Lukumay said Arusha District Council had performed well in implementing the loan programme after registering 202 groups against a target of 150.

He said the achievement demonstrated the growing willingness among residents to utilise government opportunities to build capital and establish income-generating activities.

FARMERS URGED TO SEEK EXPERT ADVICE

The MP also urged farmers to ensure they are registered in government systems to facilitate access to seed and fertiliser subsidies.

He stressed the need for agricultural extension officers to increase education and guidance to farmers on the proper use of inputs, modern technologies and improved production methods.

“Farmers should be registered in the system so that they can easily access seed and fertiliser subsidies. They should also receive proper guidance to improve their farming practices and produce quality and productive crops,” he said.

MSUMI: USE LOANS TO BOOST PRODUCTION

Meanwhile, Arusha District Council Executive Director Suleiman Msumi said the council continues to provide 10 per cent loans to women, youth and people with disabilities every three months.

He said the loans were intended to increase capital for farming, livestock keeping and other entrepreneurial activities.

“We have our 10 per cent loan programme, which we provide every three months. Women, youth and people with disabilities should take advantage of these interest-free loans to increase their capital in agriculture and livestock, boost production and raise their incomes,” Mr Msumi said.

He said the council had more than 200 groups registered in its database, with some engaged in agriculture, livestock keeping and entrepreneurship.

Mr Msumi said the work of agricultural and livestock extension officers was already producing positive results among farmers and livestock keepers, particularly in vegetable farming and modern livestock-keeping practices.

AWARD WINNERS URGED TO INSPIRE OTHERS

During the visit, Dr Lukumay presented certificates and cash prizes to farmers and entrepreneurs who had excelled in agriculture, livestock keeping and innovation.

He urged the winners to use their achievements to become ambassadors for productive agriculture and encourage other citizens to take advantage of government opportunities.

He said the awards should not be viewed as the end of the journey, but rather as a catalyst for increased production and the sharing of knowledge and experience with other farmers.

Dr Lukumay also called on Tanzanians to continue safeguarding peace and stability, saying a peaceful environment was essential for economic activities and production.

Ends