Rukwa Region is poised to achieve a remarkable bumper harvest, projecting an almost 90% increase in crop production this season compared to the previous year. According to Rukwa Regional Commissioner Makongoro Nyerere, the region expects to harvest approximately 1,654,840 tonnes of various crops, a significant rise from the 1,469,000 tonnes recorded in the 2022/23 season.
This surge in crop production is attributed to the modernization of farming practices, marked by increased use of fertilizers and extension services aimed at transitioning from subsistence to commercial production. Makongoro Nyerere shared this positive development during a recent briefing on the state of the region's growth, addressing journalists and stakeholders.
Maize leads the crop production statistics, constituting almost 55% of the region's total crop production in the 2022/23 season, with a production volume of 803,414 tonnes. Other significant crops contributing to the anticipated bumper harvest include rice, millet, sorghum, beans, sunflower, wheat, and cassava.
The Regional Commissioner highlighted that Rukwa is the second-highest region in Tanzania for crop production among the 31 regions in the country. Moreover, the region expects to yield surplus crops, with the total demand estimated at 506,060 tonnes, leaving an excess that can contribute to regional economic growth.
In addition to adopting comprehensive modernized farming practices, including soil testing, Rukwa Region is investing in irrigation infrastructure. The construction of the 21 billion TZS Ilemba irrigating scheme, covering 1600 hectares, is currently underway, with a completion target set for the coming year. This irrigation initiative aims to enhance rice production and boost yields for individual farmers, targeting an increase from the current 20 bags per hectare to an impressive 45 bags.
The construction of irrigation schemes, including Ilemba, Sakalilo, and Kilyamatundu, will take place along the Rift Valley in the Lake Rukwa Basin within Sumbawanga District Council, renowned for its rice production. The collaborative efforts of irrigation experts and local authorities in surveying 15,000 hectares of land at Kilyamatundu Village underline the commitment to furthering agricultural advancements in the region.
Rukwa Region currently boasts 58 irrigation schemes, with 52 being traditional, and has identified and evaluated 67,461 hectares of land suitable for irrigation farming, reflecting a comprehensive approach towards sustainable agricultural development.