By Valentine Oforo
THE Parliamentary standing committee on budget has been satisfied with the proper management of funds in the installation of irrigation schemes at the Ngaramtoni and Mbogamboga seed estates in Arusha region.
The projects, being implemented at the two Arusha-based seed farms, owned by the Tanzania Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) is part of a series of efforts by the government to improve availability of key seed varieties in the country, for quenching a thirst of home demand, as well as for exportation.
It is projected that, upon completion the 4.4bn/- worth project will play key role to heighten the availability of the best agricultural seeds and thus, reducing the importation of the cernels from outside the country.
Speaking during a special tour of the ongoing project, the Chairman of the committee, Daniel Siro, (MP- Babati Rural) has said that the members of the committee have been impressed with the pace and standards in the execution of the project, saying it reflects value for the involved money.
"The government has injected a lot of money to facilitate implementation of this project for the purposes to elevate performance of the country’s seeds sector, and we're happy to see the project is being handled professionally and patriotically, " he expressed during the tour.
He added that, the committee was holding high hopes that completing of the installation of the modern irrigation facilities at the two major seed estates, mapped in the country’s northern part, will spur a major development in the agriculture sector.
Apart from hailing ASA for the good works, he challenged the state- owned seed Agency to continue running its key roles with speed and standards, while assuring for effective use of funds.
Moreover, the committee also praised the Pro Agro Global Ltd, the company which is implementing the project.
"The company has also demonstrated high maturity and professionalism in the execution of this project, which is a good development, " he appreciated on behalf of the committee.
For her part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Agricultural Seeds Agency ASA Dr. Sophia Kashenge said that the Agency was gratitude for the visit, especially for the vital diverse they have received from the committee's legislators.
She detailed that the focus behind the project was to increase the production of seeds in the country, the. development which will allow the local farmers to produce with needed productivity.
Dr. Sophia thanked the Parliament in general for seeing the importance of increasing the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as seeing the importance of providing funds for the implementation of irrigation projects, especially in the seed sector.
"In order for the country to be equipped with the needed volume of seeds, all public seeds production farms operated by ASA must be equipped with irrigation infrastructure in order to remain productive in all seasons of the year.
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