Agriculture-Tanzania - President Jakaya Kikwete has pledged increased support for research aimed at transforming the agricultural sector.He made the pledge on Thursday when speaking to workers of the ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives. He said this year, the government has set aside about Sh30 billion for research in agriculture.He said in 2012/13 budget, the government will increase funding in research activities to Sh100 billion, arguing that agriculture without research was nothing. "We have started to give a special eye on agriculture... after the successful 'Agriculture First' initiative. We need to focus on research that would enable peasants to undertake their activities scientifically," Mr Kikwete said.He said among other areas, the funds set aside for research in agriculture would be used to study seeds which have a direct impact on peasants' operations.

"If you have researched seeds and offer adequate extension services then we should expect positive changes in our mode of farming," Mr Kikwete said.He named some agricultural research centres which should be fully utilised as Uyole in Mbeya, Ilonga in Iringa and Ukirigulu in Mwanza.

He stressed that most of seeds that were being used in the country have not been researched under local condidtions.

He directed the permanent secretary in the ministry to extend contracts of researchers who have reached retirement age, but were willing to work as the ministry prepares new people to take over.

Mkinga Mkinga

The Citizen/28/03/2011