Rukwa Regional Commissioner Makongoro Nyerere has urged agricultural extension officers to strengthen farmer training programmes to boost productivity and help producers tap into lucrative export markets.
Speaking during a visit to the Mbeya District Council pavilion at the ongoing Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition at the John Mwakangale Grounds in Mbeya on August 3, 2026, Mr Nyerere said extension services remain vital in transforming agriculture from subsistence production to a commercially competitive sector.
He said Tanzania has made significant progress in food production and now needs to focus on improving productivity, quality and value addition to enable farmers to benefit from growing demand in regional and international markets.
“Tanzania already produces a food surplus. The next step is to increase productivity and competitiveness so that our farmers can access export markets, earn more income and contribute to higher government revenues,” he said.
Mr Nyerere noted that changing market dynamics require farmers to adopt modern production techniques and comply with quality standards demanded by international buyers, a process that depends heavily on effective extension services.
He cited the example of Zambia’s drought-induced food shortages three years ago, when Tanzania opened its borders for crop exports, creating a ready market for farmers in Rukwa, Katavi and other grain-producing regions.
“The experience showed that regional markets can provide significant opportunities for our farmers when production is sufficient and well organised,” he said.
The regional commissioner further encouraged farmers to increase both crop and livestock production while investing in value addition to improve the marketability of their products.
During the visit, he also commended Mbeya District Council for showcasing improved agricultural technologies, quality crop varieties and modern farming practices at its exhibition stand.
“I am impressed by the level of preparation and the quality of the products displayed here. Such initiatives help demonstrate the potential of our agricultural sector,” he said.
Mbeya District Council’s Head of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Division, Mr Cuthbert Mwinuka, said the council has allocated more than TZS30 million to support the production of improved barley seed varieties.
He said the seeds have already secured a market through Serengeti Brewery, providing farmers with greater confidence to invest in production.
According to Mr Mwinuka, the council plans to distribute the seeds to farmers under a subsidy programme aimed at expanding the cultivation of strategic crops, including barley, pyrethrum and coffee.
He added that the council is continuing to provide technical support and training to farmers as part of broader efforts to increase productivity, improve crop quality and strengthen agricultural value chains.
