Govt allocates 9bn/- for Kalilankulunkulu irrigation project

THE government has allocated over 9bn/- for establishing irrigation farming at Kalilankulunkulu Agricultural Prison in Tanganyika District, Katavi Region.

The facility is famous for rice cultivation with the farming area spanning to 500 acres. Speaking after visiting and inspecting the facility over the weekend, Tanganyika District Commissioner Mr Onesmo Buswelu said that by April this year the government had already disbursed some 800m/- for the construction of a water tank reservoir at the facility.

Mr Buswelo further noted that the district administration will make a close up supervision over the project, adding that it will not only benefit the facility, but also the region and the nation at large.

On his side, the facility Chief in Charge Officer, SP Bosco Lupala explained that during 2022/2023 farming season, the facility has cultivated 150 acres of farmland.

“The facility is projected to harvest between 1,700 to 2,000 bags of rice per season, which is equivalent to two tonnes of the produce. SP Lupala has lauded the government under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating funds for developing the area, saying such funds will address challenges the facility is facing. “We are expecting to increase the production of rice to a large extent because we are applying modern farming by using modern machineries,” he explained.

Commenting, Tanganyika District Agriculture Officer, Mr Philemon Mwita said extension officers are continuing to educate farmers at the area on the right application of agricultural inputs including subsidised fertiliser.