Kilombero valley cooperatives asked to observe

AGRICULTURAL Marketing and Co-operative societies operating in Kilombero valley in Morogoro Region have been counseled to observe ethics and leadership principles in order to boost farming activities and contribute to farmers improved livelihood.

The Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Mr Omar Mgumba made the remarks after meeting farmers, leaders of cooperative societies and management of Kilombero Sugar Company in Kilombero, Morogoro Region yesterday.

“Cooperatives Societies know the business on the ground for many years and are in better position to pave way for conducive environment where each party play its role for the benefit of all,” he said.

“Your duty is to make sure that farmers benefit from their sweat so you don’t have to quarrel one another,” he told cooperative societies leaders at a meeting.

He stressed that cooperatives were a proper organisation to benefit farmers instead of working as individuals.

“You have to meet, talk and resolve your differences amicably for the benefit of Tanzanians and for the factory to get raw materials on time,” he said.

He said the government has also learned the challenges facing the sugar company especially in the area of infrastructure.

“They have told us the reason for closing the factory early, farmers have to sell their produce before the beginning of rain season,” the Deputy Minister said and added that leaders should put the interests of their members first.

On his part, the Acting Director General, Tanzania Sugar Board of Tanzania, Mr Miraji Kipande said the meeting should help both parties work in harmony to attain the objective of meeting sugar demand in the country.

He said the Kilombero sugar management needs cooperation from out-growers farmers to increase sugar production. Out growers contribute 40 percent of sugar cane used at the factory per year.

“The government wants to see peace and cooperation in the Kilombero valley,” he said, adding that was the only way to make everyone involved benefit,” Mr Kipande said.
 

Source: Daily News