Victor Byemelwa, Chair of the Kilombero Sugar Farmers Expo Committee and Communications Manager at Kilombero Sugar accompanied Kilombero MP Abubakari Assenga to a panel discussion with sugar industry stakeholders. Photo: Courtesy
By The Respondent reporter
Morogoro – The Kilombero Valley Sugar Farmers Expo has officially commenced, bringing together key stakeholders from the sugar industry to engage in discussions centered around this year's theme, "Empowering Sugarcane Farmers Through Technology and Innovation: A Path to Increased Productivity and Sugar Self-Sufficiency." The expo aims to educate stakeholders and showcase modern farming technologies designed to boost sugar production and sustainability.
The three-day event, which has been extended for the first time, features a wide range of agricultural equipment, high-quality seed varieties, best practices in fertilizer use, and effective pest and disease control strategies for sugarcane farming. Thousands of farmers and industry players are expected to attend the event, which has drawn considerable interest from across the sector.
Speaking at the opening session, Mr. Victor Byemelwa, Chair of the Kilombero Sugar Farmers Expo and Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager at Kilombero Sugar emphasized the importance of reflecting on the key topics during this year’s expo. The organizing committee’s goal is to ensure that the exhibition provides valuable insights to sugarcane farmers from across the Kilombero Valley.
"This event offers farmers the opportunity to explore innovative tools such as precision farming equipment, sustainable irrigation systems, and advanced machinery, all aimed at increasing crop yields while reducing environmental impacts and operational costs," Byemelwa explained.
Interactive sessions will allow farmers to gain practical knowledge about how these tools can modernize their farming practices. The expo will also feature panel discussions and technical workshops led by industry experts, addressing key challenges such as low yields, high production costs, and market competition.
Mr. Bakari Ally Mkangama, Chair of the Kilombero Cooperative Union, which represents 17 Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS), reiterated the significance of this platform, stating, "These discussions provide a rare opportunity for our farmers to learn about modern farming methods, supported by partners who empower them with knowledge and technology to improve their yields, operate more efficiently, and achieve self-sufficiency."
Hon. Abubakari Assenga, Member of Parliament for Kilombero and the event's guest of honor, voiced his support for the organizers’ efforts, commending them for valuing farmers and creating this platform. He reassured sugar industry stakeholders that the government remains committed to protecting and strengthening the sector.
The expo, supported by the Tanzania Sugar Board and key partners such as Kilombero Sugar Company, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), CRDB Bank, the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the African Wildlife Foundation, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Unitrans, Kanu Equipment, John Deere, and Kilombero Co-operatives Joint Enterprise Ltd, aims to empower farmers through cutting-edge technologies designed to increase productivity.
Open to all sugarcane farmers and relevant stakeholders, the event is free of charge. Attendees will benefit from technical demonstrations, financial advisory services, and opportunities to network with key players in the sugar industry.
