CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan today pledged to raise wheat production in Hanang District, Manyara Region, to one million tonnes by 2030, outlining a raft of interventions aimed at transforming the district into a national breadbasket.

Addressing a campaign rally in Kateshi, Hanang’, Samia said the government would continue to support farmers through subsidies while ensuring that unproductive large-scale farms held by investors are reassessed and reclaimed for development. 

She stressed that neglected estates must be returned to productive use, either under government supervision or for local cultivation.
She further directed that the Basotu plantation, which has remained idle awaiting potential investors, be made available to wananchi through affordable leasing arrangements.
“The council must make the leasing costs transparent so that residents can use this land productively while we continue discussions with investors,” she said.

To expand agricultural opportunities, Samia announced that a major irrigation dam will be constructed in Isakang’wale village, enabling farmers to harvest crops twice a year.
In addition, she disclosed that Tanzania is in talks with India to secure reliable export markets for pigeon peas and green grams, a move she said would directly benefit Manyara farmers  and others in the country by guaranteeing stable income streams.
Beyond agriculture, Samia highlighted progress made in Hanang’s infrastructure and social services, recalling how the district had overcome the devastating tragedy that struck it. She cited the completion and rehabilitation of the district hospital, health centres and dispensaries, as well as improved livestock markets and the construction of roads and bridges to enhance connectivity.
She also pointed to the newly built modern bus terminal in Hanang, which doubles as a business hub and is stimulating the local economy. “These investments are not only improving service delivery but also creating opportunities for small businesses and youth,” she said.
The presidential candidate also pledged further improvements in communications, announcing the construction of five new towers in rural villages to ease access to mobile and digital networks.