She stated this at a special event that brought together various stakeholders of the agriculture sector organized with the objective of launching the agricultural season in the district, launching the Agriculture Stakeholders Forum (known as Food Hub), and exhibitions of various agriculture products and technologies.

“In fact, we are very proud of the presence of SUA in our district and region. You are doing a great and wonderful job and we promise to continue working with you so that we can benefit from the fruits of your labor” said Hon. Okash

Among other things, the district commissioner used the opportunity to urge all farmers to follow the best agricultural practices so that they can get the best yields and ultimately benefit economically.

Earlier speaking at the event, FOODLAND Project representative from SUA, Prof. Dismas Mwaseba said the launch of the food value chain stakeholder forum is part of the implementation of the goals of the four-year project being implemented in Mvomero and Kilombero districts.

"The main activity apart from the research is to establish a forum that will include various stakeholders in the value chain of the agriculture sector in the district. The forum will bring together stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges and provide solutions through discussions" said Prof. Mwaseba.

FOODLAND project representative from SUA Prof. Dismas Mwaseba outlining the objectives of the creation of the Food hub

He noted that SUA and HELVETAS, the main stakeholders, are working together to create these platforms in the planned areas through the FOODLAND project funded by the European Union in a period of four years.

Prof. Mwaseba said the project will focus on bean farming, aquaculture, food processing, and encourage the use of various agricultural technologies that will be developed through the project.
  
Reporting on the state of agriculture and food in the district, Acting District Director Peter Lebalwa said the district has a population of 312,109 according to the 2012 census and the residents need about 102,528 tonnes of food to use throughout the year and the food security status is satisfactory as they have adequate food reserves.

He added that in the 2021/2022 agricultural season, the district estimates to cultivate 202,869 hectares of food and commercial crops where they expect to harvest 518,000 tons of food crops and 67,300 tons of commercial crops including 46,000 tons of sugarcane.

"To achieve this goal, the district council has put in place various strategies including the promotion of the use of quality agricultural tools, the use of quality seeds, compliance with good agricultural practices as well as the proper use of planting and growing fertilizers," stressed Mr. Lebalwa.

The Acting Director of Mvomero District, Mr. Peter Lebalwa presented a report on the agriculture situation and district strategies in this agricultural season

For her part, Project Officer from HALVETAS, Agnes Mahembe said their main role is to support the establishment of these platforms and build their capacity to ensure they perform well and fulfill their purpose and bring positive results in those areas.

She added that the platform established in Mvomero District is unique in that it includes stakeholders dealing with various crops and livestock which is different from other areas where there are platforms dealing with either agriculture or livestock only such as the Dairy Forum, Fish Farming, and others.

Acting Agriculture, Irrigation, and Cooperative Officer Ms. Kidawa Mdule explaining the goals and objectives of the launch of the agricultural season which is held annually in various parts of the district

SUGECO Director Mr. Peter Kimario explained the work of the SUA Alumni Institute as well as the opportunities available to farmers.

Stakeholders from various parts of the District and Region attended to hear and explain their opportunities and work.

STORY & PHOTO CREDITS
Calvin Gwabara - Department of Communication and Marketing (SUA)