Wanavijiji Wafukuzwa Morogoro

Premier Mizengo Pinda (C), flanked by Morogoro regional commissioner, Colonel (rtd) Issa Machibya (L), Kilombero district commissioner, Evarist Ndikilo and Kilombero Plantations Limited manager, Carter

Huko Zimbabwe, Mugabe anafukuzwa wazungu kusudi wananchi wa kiafrika wapate ardhi ya kulimia. Sisi Tanzania, tunafukuza waafrika kusudi wazungu wapate ardhi ya kulimia. Ukoloni Mamboleo?

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Kutoka ippmedia.com

Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda has ordered villagers who invaded the Mngeta Rice Farm (MRF) in Kilombero district, Morogoro region to leave immediately to make way for massive agricultural investments.

The premier issued the order over the weekend on the second day of his official tour of Morogoro region to inspect agricultural activities including farms and research centres.

Addressing Mngeta villagers, the Prime Minister said about 2,000 residents of Mngeta and Lukolongo villages have illegally taken over 300 hectares out of 5,000 hectares in the potential area for paddy farming.

He directed Morogoro regional authorities to ensure that villagers who have illegally invaded the area are immediately relocated to other areas.

“But this should be done in a proper manner. I would not prefer the use of force during the process of relocation,” the Premier cautioned, stressing that farmers should continue cultivating around the MRF as out-growers and contract farmers.

He said the move would enable the farmers acquire farming skills and access to rice farming infrastructures.

MRF is co-owned by Rufiji Basin Development Authority (RUBADA) and a UK based investor, Agrica.

The two have formed a new company known as Kilombero Plantations Limited (KPL) to help boost modern agriculture in the region.

The farm was established in 1986 under Korea Tanzania Agricultural Company (KOTACO). KPL started to operate the farm in 2008 and succeeded to cultivate more that 2,000 hectares of rice with an investment of 22bn/-.

Pinda arrived in Morogoro last Saturday and started his tour by visiting Kilombero district where he received information on development of the ‘Kilimo Kwanza’ initiative from the District Commissioner, Eng. Evarist Ndikilo. He also visited the Katrin Agricultural Research Centre.

He also visited Chita-Melela valley which is used for rice cultivation.

The Prime Minister also advised farmers to establish a Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (Saccos) that would provide them with funds to improve their agriculture, and promised to give them 10m/- once they manage to contribute among themselves a total of 10m/-.

Pinda yesterday visited Sagamaganga village to see a demonstration farm for livestock keeping where he promised a 3m/- donation as a contribution for purchases of animal feeds and vaccination.

CHANZO: THE GUARDIAN