THE Coast Region Co-operative Union (CORECU) has called on sesame farmers in the region to take full advantage of a new campaign launched to boost agricultural development and financial inclusion.

CORECU Chairperson Mussa Hemedi Mng’eresa made the call here yesterday when speaking at the official launch of the campaign dubbed ‘Wekeza NBC Shambani Ushinde’ in Kibaha, Coast Region.

Mng’eresa said the initiative offers transformative benefits to farmers. The event, graced by Kibaha District Commissioner Nickson Simon, attracted a range of agricultural stakeholders including leaders of grassroots cooperatives, representatives from Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS), and key players in the agriculture value chain.

“The campaign promises not only to reward farmers but also to cultivate a culture of financial responsibility and sustainability within the agricultural sector,” Mng’eresa said, emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of the initiative, which include financial education, access to loans, and essential services like health and crop insurance.

He urged local farmers to shift towards engaging with formal financial institutions, noting that such interaction would significantly elevate their farming operations and lead to long-term prosperity.

Kibaha District Commissioner Nickson Simon praised NBC for its commitment to the agricultural sector, especially its focus on empowering farmers in the Coast Region. He stressed the importance of embracing banking services to improve productivity and economic resilience.

"Today’s decisions prepare for tomorrow’s success," said Simon. "It is crucial for farmers, just like any other professionals, to capitalize on the current connection with financial institutions. By saving and securing loans, they can expand their operations and benefit from services like health and crop insurance."

Abdillahi Mutabazi, Deputy Registrar of AMCOS, highlighted the role of financial literacy in driving agricultural success. He encouraged farmers to deepen their understanding of financial tools and modern agricultural practices to enhance their productivity and credibility with financial institutions.

 “This initiative marks a significant shift toward encouraging farmers to engage with formal financial services,” he noted. “In the past, they were often seen as high-risk clients, but this campaign provides a clear pathway toward a more inclusive economy.”

Raymond Urassa, NBC Bank’s Head of SMEs and Agriculture, elaborated on the campaign's incentives. He said sesame farmers in the region who open NBC Shambani accounts stand a chance to win prizes such as motorcycles and laptops.

“Our objective is to inspire farmers to secure their finances through formal banking systems,” Urassa said. “We warmly invite them to participate and benefit from this opportunity.”

The campaign aligns with NBC’s broader mission to strengthen the agricultural sector through increased access to financial services, aiming to unlock the economic potential of thousands of farmers across the region.