From All Africa via East African Business Week

Tanzania’s Finance Ministry and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), last week signed a $3,696,858 grant equivalent to Tsh 6billion 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 $ 3,709,180.86 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 realised from the sale of the fertiliser 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% 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% currently to 120 % by 2015.

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