Speed up agri – technologies innovation, says Deputy Speaker
DODOMA: AGRICULTURAL institutions and stakeholders in the development of agro – technologies have been challenged to speed up innovation and ensure the technologies being hatched are reaching out and benefit farmers across the country.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mussa Azzan Zungu made the remarks when officiating at the third edition of Tanzania Agriculture Stakeholders Learning Event (TASLE) under the theme ‘Commercialising Innovation for Sustainable Food Systems’ organised by the Agricultural Markets Development Trust (AMDT), meant to spur the use of modern technologies among farmers in the country.
He said that food security is crucial in any nation, adding that it is imperative to note that there’s no life without food.
He insisted that the sixth phase government under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has kept allocating increased budget towards agriculture research, calling upon relevant institutions and experts to use the development and bring positive transformation in the sector.
“Since ascending to power, President Samia has so far demonstrated high commitment to make agriculture become the engine of the country’s economy and thus it is prudent if all players in the sector, those from public and private sector stand together at fore to translate President Samia’s vision into reality,” he insisted.
He underscored the effective use of agro technologies, insisting on the need for farmers to start adopting the use of technologies to process various products within their plantations and not only rely on giant factories.
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The deputy speaker underscored the need for more youths and women in the country to venture into the sector and deter from the white color job’s syndrome.
On his side, AMDT Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Charles Ogutu said they have decided to organise the forum with an eye to develop the sector, by making sure the numerous agricultural technologies being invented reach the farmers on time.
“The vision, among others, is to ensure the agriculture technologies created by various experts and institutions are well developed and coordinated to the level of official business in order to make it easy to be consumed by the farmers,” he observed.
He said technology was the best way to help farmers in the country to overcome severe challenges of climate change to crop production, a situation which will further propel needed production and productivity in the vital economic sector.
“We will annually continue to stage this gathering in order to motivate and stimulate more innovations in the sector, but also to ensure the farmers are benefiting from the same,” he assured.
