IRISH-BACKED RICE PROJECT EARNS FARMERS SH700 MILLION

By Lilian Lucas,The Citizen Correspondent

Morogoro. A rice project supported by donors from Ireland in Mvemoro  District has grown up to generate Sh700m following an increase of production, the project officer, Dr Moses Temi, has revealed.

He told a visiting team of parliamentarians from the Republic of Ireland  that rice farmers involved in the project have made a good progress after receiving modern techniques from Irish experts.

Fascinated by the achievement in a short period of the project, the government of Ireland has promised to pour more aid in projects it’s implementing in Tanzania through various development agencies.

Mvomero District commissioner, Mr Anthony Mtaka (pictured), who hosted the Irish team, said the Irish government  has called for closer ties between the two countries  in implementing agricultural projects.

The Irish entourage, according to Mr Mtaka, also advised the government to improve prices of its agricultural products, especially rice, to make it profitable.

Local farmers who have attended courses at Mkindo  farmers training college  in Mvomero District, are among notable beneficiaries of the training.

The college’s principal, Dr Temi, added that the college offers both long and short courses to rice farmers in the district and many others from outside the district.

CREDIT SOURCE: THE CITIZEN