The District Commissioner of Same, Kasilda Mgeni, has urged residents of the district, especially the youth, to fully seize the opportunities available in the agricultural sector by venturing into productive commercial farming.
She emphasized that doing so will increase household income, strengthen food security, and stimulate industrial growth.
Speaking during the “Gonja Inawezekana” Soccer and Agribusiness Festival held in the Gonja Division, Mgeni said commercial farming is an effective way to boost the local economy, particularly through crops such as ginger, avocado, and coffee, which have shown great potential in the district.
“The government continues to create a conducive environment for production and transportation of agricultural goods by improving infrastructure, extension services, and promoting the use of modern technologies. It is our responsibility as citizens to make full use of these opportunities to enhance productivity and profitability in agriculture,” Mgeni stated.
She also instructed agricultural officers to ensure they reach farmers in all villages and wards, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to improve efficiency in agricultural production.
On her part, the founder of the festival and Gonja Division Officer, Ms. Rhobi Stephano, said the event was established to help improve community income through commercial crops while educating young people to avoid harmful behaviours such as drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and theft. Instead, she encouraged them to focus on productive economic activities.
The festival, themed “SOKA NA KILIMO BIASHARA – GONJA INAWEZEKANA,” highlighted key commercial crops such as ginger, avocado, and coffee. It targeted youth from the wards of Vuje, Bombo, Mtii, and Lugulu as part of ongoing efforts to promote economic growth in the area through profitable agriculture.