The Centre for Agricultural Mechanization and Rural Technology (CAMARTEC) has introduced new technologies aimed at improving productivity in agriculture and livestock, reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening farmers’ resilience against climate-related challenges.
The centre has adopted modern training approaches to equip farmers with skills in processing agricultural produce, including seaweed, cashew nuts and other food products.
The initiative seeks to minimise losses that often occur during transportation to markets while extending the shelf life of farm produce through improved processing methods.
In addressing the challenge of livestock feed shortages, CAMARTEC has developed technology that enables the processing of maize stalks and cobs into animal feed.
The innovation is expected to protect livestock from the impact of prolonged droughts, which have continued to cause significant economic losses due to animal deaths and declining productivity.
The developments were highlighted on January 19, 2026, during a visit by Deputy Minister Dennis Londo, who called on the centre to accelerate innovation to move farmers away from dependence on hand hoes and support the implementation of the National Development Vision 2050.
Mr Londo said that while CAMARTEC has made notable progress, it is crucial for the centre to establish partnerships with local government authorities across the country to enable mass production of the technologies and ensure they reach farmers in rural areas.
He noted that wider adoption of modern tools would help transform agriculture into a viable commercial activity.
He further observed that limited access to appropriate and farmer-friendly technologies has resulted in the inefficient use of land, with large areas producing low yields.
He stressed that expanding access to modern technologies would enable farmers to increase productivity and improve their economic well-being.
Earlier, CAMARTEC Acting Director General, Engineer Godfrey Mwinama, said the centre has established demonstration farms to provide farmers with practical training on the use of improved agricultural tools.
These include maize shellers, modern tractors and processing technologies designed to ease farm operations and enhance efficiency.
He added that CAMARTEC has intensified the production of cashew nut processing machines to support farmers in Lindi, Mtwara and other cashew-producing regions.
The initiative aims to add value along the cashew value chain, secure reliable markets and enable farmers to earn higher returns compared to selling raw produce.
Meanwhile, Assistant Director for Policy and Planning, Mr Audax Bahweitama, urged the centre to ensure that all technologies developed are affordable and accessible to smallholder farmers.
He said the availability of such tools in rural areas would stimulate economic growth and boost government revenue through value chains linking farms to industries.