FARMERS in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region have hailed the CCM government’s continued issuance of subsidised fertiliser and other agricultural inputs, describing it as a lifeline that has significantly improved productivity and household incomes in the coffee- and maize-rich district.

Speaking ahead of CCM presidential candidate  Samia Suluhu Hassan’s campaign launch in Ruvuma today, farmers expressed gratitude that the subsidy programme, introduced under the Sixth-Phase government, had lowered production costs while raising output, allowing them to expand acreage and improve their livelihoods.
“We used to struggle to buy fertiliser at high market prices, but with the subsidies, we can now cultivate more land and expect better harvests,” said Hassan Molwe, a maize farmer from Mbinga. “Our incomes have improved, and we can pay school fees and meet other family needs.”
Ester John, another farmer in Mbinga, noted that the subsidy has not only reduced costs but also encouraged more young people to engage in farming. “This programme has motivated many to see agriculture as a business and not just subsistence farming. It is creating employment for youth and women in our community.”
The Sixth-Phase government, prioritised agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security. In Ruvuma Region, more than  249.7bn/-has been invested in diverse projects, with a substantial portion channelled into agricultural development, extension services, and access to markets.
Farmers in Mbinga say the government’s efforts, including fertiliser subsidies, improved seed distribution, and investments in irrigation and rural roads, have contributed to higher yields in cash crops such as coffee and tea, as well as food crops like maize and beans.
According to reports, fertiliser and input subsidies have reached thousands of farmers in Ruvuma, with distribution systems strengthened to ensure timely access ahead of planting seasons.
Major initiatives have been done in various including health, water, electricity and infrastructure.
Farmers say the combined investments are transforming Ruvuma’s economic landscape, giving them better access to markets and services.
“Development is visible here,” said Jackson Luwanda. “With good roads, subsidised inputs, and access to electricity, farming is no longer a struggle but an opportunity to grow wealth.”