 |
| The Minister praised the President’s unwavering commitment to elevating the agricultural sector. Photo: Courtesy |
By The Respondent Reporter
Agriculture, the backbone of Tanzania's economy, has found itself at the center of a political storm as Minister Husein Bashe takes a firm stand against Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina. Bashe, known for his no-nonsense approach to governance, has called out Mpina’s recent criticisms of the sector, accusing the MP of undermining the very foundation of the country’s economic stability.
With the livelihoods of millions hanging in the balance, Bashe is not holding back, insisting that such baseless attacks not only threaten the progress made under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's leadership but also cast doubt on the government's dedicated efforts to uplift farmers.
Speaking during his official tour of Igunga District, Tabora Region, Bashe dismissed Mpina’s criticism as unwarranted and warned that the government's ongoing efforts, especially under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, would not be derailed by falsehoods or political games. “The nation is vast, resources are limited, and the President’s work cannot be undone by mere lies,” he stated.
Bashe further declared his intention to personally visit Kisesa and meet with farmers, signaling that he was prepared to address the situation head-on. "I’m going to Kisesa to find out the truth. If it’s a problem, it will be dealt with because I don’t joke around with lies, especially when it concerns agriculture, which touches people's lives," he said.
During his visit to Igunga, the Minister engaged with stakeholders in the cotton industry, including the Cotton Board, farmers, businesspeople, and investors. He also launched a national plan to boost cotton production in Mbutu village, stressing the importance of enhancing productivity in this key sector.
He did not shy away from criticizing Mpina's record, questioning, "What did he accomplish when he was given the chance? Does he not see the tremendous changes that have been made by the government?" Bashe was resolute in his stance, stating, “The government cannot allow farmers to be exploited by dishonest buyers, fake pesticides, or counterfeit seeds. I’m coming to Kisesa, and you will answer this. Don’t play with the agricultural sector—attack me, not agriculture.”
He went on to express his dismay over the hardships cotton farmers had faced in the past, including unpaid dues and decayed cotton stocks, vowing to prevent politics from infiltrating the sector under his watch.
He highlighted the government's efforts over the past two years, particularly in providing free fertilizer subsidies, which he promised would continue, alongside the government's commitment to purchasing agricultural produce.
In a direct reference to Mpina, Bashe criticized the former minister’s handling of the agriculture portfolio. "He was a minister for over 20 years. I will go to Kisesa and tell the people what their MP has said about fake pesticides, seeds, and corrupt buyers stealing from the government. Let him bring solutions if he can," Bashe said, adding that in Tanzania, there has been a tendency to allow individuals to tarnish the government’s reputation without offering any viable solutions.
"I will go to Kisesa and ask the farmers whether these claims are their own. If they are not, we will remove services. If they are Mpina’s, we will leave them. Let him play with another sector, not agriculture. I was born in the streets—if it's bad, let it be bad," Bashe declared.
The agriculture minister reiterated his authority in overseeing the sector, asserting, “I am the agriculture minister. I’m not someone you can test with lies and expect the ministry to beg you for forgiveness."
Bashe also used the platform to announce the government's plans to build dams and irrigation infrastructure in Igunga, assuring farmers that water shortages would not be a persistent issue in the district. He praised Igunga's thriving cotton production, which ranks among the top in the country, and emphasized the need for reliable irrigation systems to sustain and boost yields.
To further strengthen the agriculture sector, Bashe pointed out that the government had distributed 500 tractors and 800 power tillers nationwide, a move aimed at enhancing productivity. He stressed that to achieve the government's goals, reliance on unpredictable weather patterns must be eliminated. He promised to establish farmer training centers and continue providing free seeds and pesticides, as directed by President Samia.
The Minister praised the President’s unwavering commitment to elevating the agricultural sector, calling on local governments to be active participants in this transformation to uplift the economy. “The efforts by the government are a wake-up call for local councils and districts to support the fight against poverty. Regional and district governments have a responsibility to oversee these changes. We are deploying extension officers to drive agricultural progress—use them wisely,” Bashe urged.
He also called on agricultural extension officers to ensure that each ward is dedicated to a productive crop that will yield long-term economic benefits for the village. "We must measure ourselves by economic outcomes. In production, we cannot allow politics to interfere. The crop sector is crucial to the economy for the broader benefit of the people and the nation," Bashe said.
Providing a report on cotton production, Cotton Board Director-General Marco Charles Mtunga highlighted the significance of Bashe’s visit to Igunga, a district that produces between 22,000 and 26,000 tonnes of cotton annually. Mtunga expressed optimism that with the right tools, training, and extension officers, Igunga could boost production to 100,000 tonnes, with an average farmer producing 300 kilograms (0.3 tonnes).
Nationally, cotton production stands at 284,000 tonnes, and the country's goal is to reach 500,000 tonnes in the coming years.
The initial meeting in Igunga was attended by Tabora Regional Representative, Cornel Magembe, who is also the District Commissioner for Sikonge, and Sauda Mtondoke, the District Commissioner for Igunga. Magembe thanked President Samia for appointing Bashe, describing him as a reliable leader for the agriculture sector. “Cotton has brought us to where we are. The region’s economy depends on it, and we have the opportunity to revive cotton production by embracing commercial farming,” Magembe said.