Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has said sustained investment in agricultural research is central to transforming Tanzania’s farming sector, arguing that innovation and scientific solutions are critical to improving productivity and supporting smallholder farmers.
Speaking on Sunday, August 2, 2026, during the laying of a foundation stone for the headquarters of the Agricultural Inputs Trust Fund (AGITF) in Iyumbu, Dodoma, Dr Nchemba said public investments must be matched by efficient service delivery to ensure citizens benefit from government programmes.
“We are not merely constructing a building; we are creating a better environment for the fund to operate. Through this investment, we are accelerating the implementation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to helping smallholder farmers access credit,” he said.
He cautioned public servants against poor service delivery, saying modern infrastructure alone would not achieve the intended development outcomes.
“All public servants must fulfil their responsibilities diligently so that these investments benefit the nation. There is no value in having good offices if the services provided remain poor,” he said.
The Prime Minister linked the AGITF project to broader government efforts to modernise agriculture through research, technology and innovation.
“Investing in research is the right path to transforming any sector. We have just inaugurated the headquarters of our agricultural research institution, and alongside it stands a modern agricultural laboratory, demonstrating the President’s determination to drive agricultural transformation,” he said.
Dr Nchemba noted that the advanced laboratory reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural research capacity and developing locally driven solutions for the sector.
Earlier, at Mtumba Government City, where he laid a foundation stone for the headquarters of the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the Prime Minister praised President Samia for continuing large-scale investments in Dodoma, saying the projects have contributed to the region’s economic growth.
He also credited the government’s policy of awarding major projects to local contractors with strengthening domestic construction capacity and stimulating economic activity.
“The President trusted local contractors and gave them the opportunity to deliver. Today we are seeing quality buildings and infrastructure across the country. I have visited projects in other sectors and found more than 81 bridges built by local contractors,” he said.
According to Dr Nchemba, the growth of local contracting firms has created wider economic benefits, including increased business for financial institutions and a reduction in non-performing loans.
Agriculture Minister Daniel Chongolo, who spoke earlier, thanked President Samia for increasing budget allocations to the ministry, saying the additional resources had enabled the implementation of key agricultural programmes and development projects.
He said continued government support was helping strengthen institutions and initiatives aimed at raising productivity and improving services for farmers across the country.
