Politicians in cotton growing regions have been urged to refrain from dirty politics in connection with contract farming involving cotton and instead encourage farmers to carry out improved farming.
Prime Minister, Mr Mizengo Pinda
Opening the cotton stakeholders meeting in Mwanza City, Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda said that clinging to the claim that contract farming will not bring prosperity to farmers is hypocrisy. “I understand that there is a group of people who believe that contract farming will not serve their personal interests.
So, they are doing anything they can to frustrate the effort,” he said. The premier also called for the revamping of the Tanzania Cotton Growers Association (TACOGA) in the belief that the association cannot bring about a farmers’ green revolution because, as it is now, it needs a stronger management. He noted that this is the time to end the conflicts that are simmering because they are of no benefit.
He said that the cotton sub-sector should be reformed. He added that transforming cotton farming would bring about greater livelihoods to farmers. The most critical challenges that hurt cotton production include low yields.
Up to now the national production average is 300 kilos per hectare as gauged against the objective of achieving 1,500 kilos by 2015.
By MOSES MATTHEW, Tanzania Daily News
