Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, has handed over a range of IFAD-funded facilities and equipment designed to strengthen quality seed production and agricultural productivity in Nzega, Tabora.
The projects, implemented under the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP), were handed over yesterday, August 17, 2026, at the Tanzania Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) seed farm in Kilimi.
Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the programme seeks to improve agricultural productivity by strengthening access to quality seeds, modern farming equipment and production infrastructure.
Prof Kabudi said improving agricultural productivity was critical to Tanzania’s economic development, given the sector’s contribution to food security, employment, trade and national output.
“AFDP is important because it seeks to increase productivity in agriculture, which remains a key pillar of economic development,” he said.
Among the facilities handed over were an office building, workshop and seed-drying facility, all constructed under AFDP with IFAD support.
Prof Kabudi also inspected other investments at the Kilimi seed farm, including a drying shade, training hall and two staff houses, as well as the newly established workshop facilities.
The programme has further supported the seed farm with modern agricultural machinery and equipment, including tractors, boom sprayers, disc harrows, maize shellers, tillers and workshop tools. Vehicles have also been provided to support seed production management and distribution.
The investments are expected to strengthen the capacity of ASA to produce and distribute quality seeds, while improving the efficiency of farming operations and supporting farmers’ access to improved planting materials.
Prof Kabudi urged implementing agencies to ensure projects are completed on time and meet the required quality standards, stressing the importance of achieving value for money from development investments.
He also called for a clear implementation strategy to ensure AFDP’s objectives are achieved within the planned timeframe.
The minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde, Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for Irrigation and Agricultural Equipment Engineer Athumani Kilundumya, Director of Policy and Coordination in the Prime Minister’s Office Paul Sangawe and AFDP Coordinator Salum Mwinjaka.
