THE government has urged citizens to abandon out-dated farming practices and instead embrace the use of technology, experts knowledge, and modern research to enhance productivity, income and national food security.

The call was made yesterday by Arumeru District Commissioner, Mwinyi Ahmed Mwinyi, while officiating the opening of agribusiness day celebrations organised by the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI).

The event brought together farmers, researchers, students, the private sector, and other key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

“I commend TARI for organising this national exhibition aimed at educating the public that agriculture is no longer a traditional subsistence activity, but a viable business that creates jobs and forms the backbone of industrial and national development,” he said.

He noted that this year marks the 14th edition of the event since its inception in 2012, and that it has become a platform for learning and innovation for actors in the agricultural sector.

He also stressed that the participation of students in the exhibitions was a crucial step towards nurturing a new generation of farmers and researchers.

“By involving students, we are giving them an early vision that agriculture is a respectable source of employment and income. This will help shape their perception of the sector,” he added.

For his part, TARI director general, Dr Thomas Bwana, outlined the direction of the National Agribusiness Agenda 2010–2030, stressing that the transformation of agriculture will only be possible if communities are motivated to use improved seeds, appropriate technology, and follow modern farming practices.

He highlighted ongoing efforts by the institute to develop climate-resilient seed varieties and called on farmers to collaborate with researchers to ensure such innovations reach their intended users.

“We cannot build a vibrant agribusiness sector if we do not protect research land, invest in knowledge, and ensure that our technologies are adopted by citizens,” he stressed.

He further pointed out that the government has continued to prioritise the agricultural sector, evidenced by the increase in the ministry’s budget from 234bn/- in 2021 to over1.24 trn/- for the 2024/25 financial year.

Meanwhile, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, acting director of Research and Training, Godfrey Edward, emphasised that the agribusiness agenda is not solely the responsibility of government—it is for every stakeholder, from rural farmers to major agro-processing industries.

“Agricultural technologies must not remain shelved in files—they must reach the people. Events like this provide the ideal platform for that to happen,” he said in a speech delivered on behalf of the permanent secretary.

The exhibition drew participation from various institutions including Silcom, Meru Agro, Suba Agro, Bora Seed, NFRA, and Kibo Seed, as well as farmers’ groups, agricultural input suppliers, and demonstration farms showcasing innovative irrigation systems and improved crop production technologies.