Tanzanian lawmakers decry underfunding of agriculture, urge timely disbursement

The ministry tabled a Sh1.2 trillion budget proposal on Wednesday, of which Sh702.27 billion is earmarked for development projects. However, several MPs noted that unless funds are released promptly and in full, the ministry’s plans will remain unfulfilled.

Special Seats MP, Ester Bulaya, questioned why a sector that feeds the nation and employs millions continues to receive less funding than allocated.

“We must press the ministry of Finance to release the funds to ensure the Agriculture Ministry’s commendable plans are implemented. Even a 70 or 80 percent disbursement would represent a significant improvement,” she said, citing the impact on smallholder farmers.

Muhambwe MP, Dr Florence Samizi (CCM), echoed the concern, warning that even well-intentioned initiatives by the minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe and President Samia Suluhu Hassan would stall without adequate funding. “If these funds are not released, then even the best-laid plans might not be realised,” she said.

The Parliamentary Committee on Industry, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock also weighed in, criticising delays and urging the Treasury to ensure better fiscal discipline in fund releases.

Momba MP, Condester Sichalwe (CCM), proposed a nationwide campaign to transition from hand-hoe farming to mechanised and digital agriculture.

“Despite impressive statistics and achievements shared by the minister, many Tanzanians still farm using hand-hoes. With modern tools, farmers could increase output while using less land and energy,” she noted. In Momba, she said, fewer than 100 tractors serve the entire constituency.

On seed governance, Special Seats MP, Neema Lugangira (CCM), called for amendments to the Seed Act to protect indigenous varieties.

“We also need to revise the national seed policy to ensure indigenous seeds are preserved and managed appropriately, particularly in the face of international agreements that prioritise foreign-produced hybrid seeds,” she said, proposing a national seed bank to preserve mineral-rich traditional seeds.

Mchinga MP, Mrs Salma Kikwete (CCM), said although Tanzania now meets 80 percent of its seed needs domestically, the country must invest in indigenous seed systems to reduce dependency.

“Indigenous seed production is essential. Colonial powers once divided us and discouraged local solutions. Promoting our own seeds is a step towards agricultural sovereignty,” she said.

Nominated MP, Dr Leonard Chamuriho, lauded the government’s irrigation projects for transforming agriculture from subsistence to enterprise, citing youth and women employment gains.

He praised the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) initiative, calling it a game changer in elevating the sector.

Mbarali MP, Bahati Ndingo (CCM), said her constituency has secured five projects worth Sh80 billion, with an additional Sh60 billion allocated. Seven dams are under construction, expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity.

“These projects will help resolve all the longstanding disputes in agriculture, and the people of Mbarali have every reason to celebrate this transformation,” she said.

Nzega Rural MP Dr Hamisi Kigwangalla described the proposed budget as “people-centred,” highlighting the transformative potential of irrigation schemes.

“If these projects are executed well, they will define rural development for generations,” he said, urging continued promotion of food diplomacy.