Small scale vegetable farmers have been advised to consider shifting from subsistence farming to commercial farming if they are to move out of the poverty line
Arusha. Small scale vegetable farmers have been urged to commercialize their products in order to generate money, a move that will help them stem the tide of poverty.
The Arusha Regional Administrative Secretary, Mr Richard Kwitega, made the remark during an event to confer certificates to 21 agricultural experts from Arusha, Manyara and Zanzibar.
Mr Kwitega said the small scale vegetable farmers have a real chance of learning how to farm productively and profitably should they follow instructions provided by the experts.
Speaking during the occasion, the Tanzania Horticulture Association (Taha) chief operations manager, Mr Simon Mlay, called for a paradigm shift among the farmers.
He urged them to shun subsistence farming and concentrate on commercial agriculture, stressing the latter will lift them out of poverty.
According to him, Taha will continue working with various stakeholders to find markets and other farming opportunities to ensure that the farmers reap big from their hard work.
TRIAS East- Afrika director Bart Casier said the farmers have a good chance of making a great stride in income if they make good use of training they receive from experts in their areas.
“Germany and Belgium have released some 2.5 million euros (about Sh6.6 billion) for small scale farmers and entrepreneurs to improve their productivity,” he said.
