Japan Grants Tanzania US $3.69 Million for Agricultural Projects

The Finance Ministry here and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), last week signed a $3,696,858 grant equivalent to Tsh 6 billion for the agricultural sector development.  Representing the government of Tanzania, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Servacius Likwelile said the agreement will enable Tanzania to receive $3709180.86 equivalent to Tsh 6.02 billion from the government of Japan through JICA.  He noted further that the grant will be directed to boosting farming in the country.  “This money will also among other things help in procuring of fertilizers, promote irrigation farming and improvement of seeds,” noted the PS.

Applauding the Japanese government, Dr Likwelile said the facility is a result of the friendly relationship between the two governments.  “We shall use part of the funds for procuring fertilizers which will support underprivileged farmers to increase production activities and the proceeds realized from the sale of the fertilizer will be used for social and economic development, such as support for underprivileged farmers,” Dr Likwelile said.

The Permanent secretary said the project addresses development problems facing the agriculture sector.  The sector employs more than 70 percent of Tanzanians, the majority of whom engage in agriculture-related activities.  The PS said the support will promote further the government initiative towards achieving the 2015 target under the five year development plan of increasing food self-sufficiency for cereals and legumes from 104 percent currently to 120 percent by 2015.

For his part, the Japanese ambassador to Tanzania, Masaki Okada said the funds released by his government will boost Tanzanian agricultural sector and strengthen various infrastructures including those of roads, markets, which are the main pillars of competency of the sector.

Thanking the PS of the Ministry of Finance for signing the agreement and the Japan government, the deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperation, Yamungu Kayandabila said his Ministry was thankful in receiving such funds committing himself that the funds will be spent as planned.

For his part, the JICA Tanzania Chief Representative, Yasonori Onishi said for a country to attain development in the agriculture sector it needs all the necessities and JICA has always tried its best to provide the important things for the agricultural sector in the country.  “It is well known that green revolution requires the enhancement of irrigation, improved seeds and fertilizers and JICA’s approach covers all these aspects to realize the green revolution in the land of Tanzania,” he noted.

Earlier the PS told journalists that the project will increase food self-sufficiency for cereals and legumes from 104 percent currently to 120 percent by 2015 and it will increase production of high value crops and average agricultural annual growth by at least six per cent.  He said it will also increase production f high value crops and enhance value addition for local farmers from 30 percent to 50 percent by 2015/16.  “Any efforts aimed at increasing productivity in the sector will also make it possible for the increase of food production and hence achieve food security,” the PS said.

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