DODOMA Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule has directed council leaders in sunflower-growing areas to ensure farmers dedicate at least one full farming season exclusively to sunflower cultivation.

 She said the move is crucial to guarantee a steady supply of raw materials for sunflower-oil factories throughout the year and to strengthen the region’s agro-industrial economy.

Senyamule issued the directive on Tuesday while touring development projects and key industries in Dodoma City. She underscored the importance of coordinated planning to meet industrial demand and reduce dependence on imported edible oil.

“We need to sit together and plan how to increase sunflower production,” she said. “Farmers must dedicate at least one farming season solely to sunflower so that investors in areas with irrigation infrastructure can rely on year-round production without depending on seasonal rains.

 This approach will create jobs, stabilize supply chains and attract more investment into our region,” she said. Dodoma District Commissioner Jabir Shekimweri applauded investors for adopting modern technology that improves efficiency in sunflower-oil processing.

 He stressed that regional leaders and local councils share responsibility for ensuring factories receive a reliable supply of quality raw materials throughout the year, adding that stable production will benefit both farmers and investors.

Earlier in the day, the RC began her tour by checking progress on two science laboratory projects: one at Kisasa Secondary School and another at Kizota Secondary School.

Kisasa received 20m/- for the laboratory while Kizota received 30m/-. Both labs are scheduled for completion by next month and are expected to significantly improve science teaching and learning environments for pupils once operational.

Through the day-long tour, Senyamule highlighted the need to integrate agriculture into industry and to strengthen educational infrastructure as key drivers of Dodoma’s economic growth.

 Her call for a dedicated sunflower season is expected to boost the region’s ability to supply raw materials for the growing edible-oil industry, create more income opportunities for farmers and reinforce Dodoma’s role as a national hub for agro-industrial investment.