The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, Dr. Mac Albert Hengari, has outlined a comprehensive five-year plan to accelerate agricultural production in the country, with a special focus on the development and expansion of green schemes. Dr. Hengari emphasized the critical need for expanding irrigation systems as a means of boosting agricultural output, which he views as essential to ensuring food security in the nation.
He highlighted that expanding green schemes and improving the functionality of existing ones will play a pivotal role in driving agricultural productivity. These initiatives aim to address the challenge of national food production, providing a sustainable solution to meet the growing demand for food. The minister stressed that it is also vital to maintain the continuous availability of essential agricultural inputs to support farmers across all sectors small, medium, and large-scale.
In his speech, Dr. Hengari made it clear that enhancing agricultural productivity will be one of the ministry’s top priorities for the coming years. The government plans to improve food security by formulating and implementing new policies that will not only increase agricultural output but also ensure a steady supply of food. One of the central strategies involves boosting the technical capacity of both commercial and subsistence farmers, enabling them to adopt better practices and technologies that will improve their overall productivity.
Another cornerstone of the minister’s plan is to strengthen the provision of veterinary and plant health services. These services are critical to preventing diseases and pests that can devastate crops and livestock, ultimately safeguarding the agricultural industry. The government believes that these measures, alongside improvements in agricultural infrastructure, will create a solid foundation for the country’s agricultural sector, resulting in higher food security levels and greater opportunities for sustainable growth.
Dr. Hengari also pointed out that other significant areas will receive attention, including the development of agro-industries, the promotion of the blue economy, and the improvement of water supply infrastructure. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral agreements and regional cooperation, which could lead to more efficient sharing of resources, technology, and expertise across borders. Additionally, the minister indicated that expediting land reform and acquiring commercial agricultural farms will be crucial steps toward unlocking more potential in the sector.
For the plan to be successful, the minister urged all ministry officials to demonstrate commitment and dedication in executing these programs. He called for a high standard of professionalism, integrity, and transparency in all activities and interactions with the public. Dr. Hengari made it clear that the ministry’s service charter, which outlines the service standards expected from each directorate, must be fully implemented to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people the ministry serves.
In conclusion, Dr. Hengari’s five-year development plan aims to transform the agricultural sector by improving its efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. With an emphasis on irrigation, agricultural input availability, and infrastructure development, the ministry is poised to make significant strides in enhancing national food production. The combination of improved technical capacity, strong policy frameworks, and a focus on both local and regional cooperation will help foster a more robust and secure agricultural industry, contributing to the overall economic growth and stability of the country.
