CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan has assured farmers of pigeon peas and green grams across Tanzania of reliable international markets, pledging to secure buyers if re-elected.

Addressing a campaign rally in Singida after touring Dodoma Region, the candidate said that the government has already held discussions with India and other countries to expand agricultural exports.

The government will intensify efforts to secure international markets for these crops and others, ensuring farmers fair prices and sustainable incomes, she stated, pledging to strengthen the digital warehouse receipt system as it has improved transparency in farm produce pricing. Traders operating outside the system will have their licences revoked to protect farmers from exploitation, she stated, highlighting achievements since 2021, as all 441 villages in the region now have access to electricity.

Three major irrigation schemes are operational, with 81bn/- invested benefiting over 12,000 residents, the leading candidate elaborated, pointing at the reinforced national grid project starting next year.

It will further strengthen electricity supply, while an $80m solar power project now in feasibility study phase will boost access to clean energy, she stated, assuring those in attendance that all ongoing road projects in the region will be completed on schedule.

This is pivotal to unlocking trade and mobility opportunities, she emphasized, promising to finish constructing an international onion market and new modern markets for small-scale traders.

“In 2020, Singida had only one factory while today there are nine,” she said, pointing at government initiatives to expand industrial zones to create jobs and strengthen the regional economy.

Water access has improved significantly through the Lake Victoria water project, expected to resolve persistent shortages once completed, she said, highlighting social reforms like the presidential legal aid campaign, providing legal support to over 500,000 people nationwide.

Investments in quality education to secure long-term prosperity have also characterized the past few years of government activity, she said, with parliamentary candidates echoing those remarks.

Aysharose Mattembe, a special seats candidate, commended health sector reforms as having enabled a drop in maternal and child mortality, hailing improved access to fertiliser and clean energy.

Jesca Kishoa, Iramba East candidate, lauded achievements in power supply, roads and bridges, recalling how the president took over during the difficult Covid-19 period and steered the nation steadily and decisively.

Chief Mugenyi Senge, vice chairman of the Council of Traditional Chiefs, presented the candidate with ten cartons of sunflower oil on behalf of local chiefs.

Dr Bashiru Ally, ex-chief secretary and onetime CCM secretary general, issued a ringing endorsement for the presidential candidate, saying she was the best national leader Tanzania has ever had.

“Tanzania is fortunate to have a presidential candidate who not only embodies the values of our founding fathers but also demonstrates vision, discipline and unmatched commitment to the people,” he declared, stressing that the efforts have touched the lives of millions of citizens, setting a new benchmark for leadership in Tanzania.

Elibariki Kingu, a veteran MP for the Singida West, appealed to voters to turn out in large numbers during the polling, with party members remaining united victory for CCM will guarantee the country stability and accelerated growth, he added