Posted on May, 15, 2019 at 09:38 am
Bashungwa made the call when speaking at the official launch of four books which focus on how the country’s agricultural sector is to be transformed. The books have been published by staff of REPOA-- a Tanzania’s policy research think tank.
The deputy minister said it’s high time for young graduates to venture into modern farming that require small piece of land with production as well as engaging in exploring opportunities available in the agriculture value chain.
“There are many opportunities in the agricultural sector, which are yet to be explored. That’s why I am encouraging youth to venture into the sector, which has a lot to offer,” he said, adding: “Apart from engaging into crop production, youth can venture crop markets and exports and the ministry is there to assist them.”
According to him, youth can also venture into growing avocados, which are highly demanded in the international markets and Tanzanian climate is friendly to that kind of farming.
The fruits now being produced in different parts of the country, including Rungwe district in Mbeya region, Njombe region and Moshi district in Kilimanjaro region, help the body absorb fat-soluble nutrients.
For his part, REPOA executive director, Dr Donald Mmari said his organisation considers agriculture as one of the key economic sectors in the country “that’s why our researches range from the uptake of improved inputs by farming households; the effectiveness of the national agriculture inputs by farming stakeholders; impact of purchase for progress (P4P) programme implemented by WFP.
“Others include assessment of opportunities and constraints for export competitiveness of avocado, spices and seaweed and institutional analysis of value chains for various crops, some of which forms part of the books being launched today,” he said.
Source: IPP Media