The National Service Corporation Sole (SUMA JKT) is expected to import at least 100 tractors by June 2020 for the purpose of selling them to the public, the House heard yesterday.
Ministry of Defence and National Service said this in a written response to a question by the Special Seats MP, Martha Mlata (CCM) who had challenged the government to explain why the corporation stopped selling tractors as it used to do.
"What made SUMA JKT stop the tractor business which was helpful to Tanzanians who needed the farm equipment?” she asked.
The government in response explained that the National Service Corporation Sole had not stopped selling tractors .
The statement explained SUMA JKT imported 100 tractors in the 2018/2019 and sold 67 of them, adding that plans are underway for the corporation to import 100 tractors by June this year.
“Following low rate of loan repayment by many people once they have acquired the tractors, the project now imports and sell tractors in cash at affordable prices" said the statement.
However, the government explained that the corporation is closely following up on debtors as the projects continue ordering for more importation tractors.
Meanwhile, the government yesterday said that it had leased some land owned by the National Ranching Company Limited (NARCO) to neighbouring communities ..
This was said by the ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, adding that those who applied were allowed to use part of the land that was not in use by NARCO and the land was leased in blocks.
The ministry said this in a written response to a question from Special Seats MP, Sophia Mwakagenda (CHADEMA) who had wanted to know part of Mbarali ranch that was meant for livestock is now under farming.
There are conflicts between pastoralists and farmers in Mbarali, why can't the government give part of the NARCO land in Mbarali for individual livestock keepers?" she wondered.
The ministry explained that the Mbarali ranch was divided into 16 blocks measuring between 2,448.90 and 3,158.88 hectares and leased to local investors.
"Currently there are 9,885 cows, 6,192 goats and sheep, 56 donkeys and two horses in the ranch" said the government in the statement.
