Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe (MP), has called on the Ruvu Irrigation Cooperative Society (CHAURU) to prioritize transparency in its operations, farmers are well-informed about the cooperative's activities.
This is part of a remarkable effort aimed at eliminating misunderstandings and promoting accountability within the cooperative.
Speaking at a public meeting held on October 4, 2024, in Visezi village, Vigwaza ward, Coast Region, Minister Bashe emphasized the need for CHAURU leaders to work closely with their members and provide clear information on the cooperative's income and expenditure.
“We want to build a cooperative that upholds discipline and accountability. It’s crucial that you sit down with your members and openly share information about what you are doing. This will help farmers understand the cooperative's financial status and eliminate any doubts,” said Minister Bashe.
Addressing the ongoing land dispute involving the NAFCO farm between the Village Government and CHAURU, the Minister assured attendees that the matter would be handled by the Ministry of Agriculture, working together with regional and district authorities, as well as the Registrar of Cooperative Societies.
He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to protecting the interests of smallholder farmers and ensuring that a fair resolution is reached. This includes identifying legitimate boundaries and infrastructure, recognizing those who have acquired land, and determining those within the farm's designated boundaries. Once resolved, the government will move forward with the design phase and initiate a tender process for a contractor to begin constructing irrigation schemes, while also allocating space for livestock watering.
Minister Bashe also directed the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) to engage with farmers, both within and outside of CHAURU, to provide group and individual loans to trustworthy farmers, with CHAURU acting as a guarantor. This financing initiative is designed to help address the financial challenges faced by farmers and support the expansion of their production.
Additionally, the Minister instructed the Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority (TFRA) to meet with CHAURU members and farmers to address fertilizer-related challenges, ensuring there are no disruptions when the farming season begins.
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During his visit, Minister Bashe also inspected a rice processing plant with a capacity of producing 30 tons per day. He applauded the progress made and assured that the government would explore ways to assist CHAURU in marketing their rice, both domestically and internationally, to help boost their economic prospects.
The Minister’s visit underscored the government’s dedication to strengthening cooperatives and supporting farmers in their efforts to increase productivity and improve their livelihoods.