KILOMBERO SUGARCANE FARMERS' DAY KICKS OFF AHEAD OF 3-DAY EXHIBITION

The Chairman of the Kilombero Sugarcane Farmers' Day Exhibition and also the Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager at Kilombero Sugar, Victor Byemelwa addresses sugarcane farmers and stakeholders during the opening of the dialogue ahead of the 3-day exhibition which will be held in Kilombero Sugar grounds. The dialogue emphasized the importance of reflecting on the theme at the start of this year's exhibition and ensuring that the exhibition in Kilombero Valley is well-prepared and informative to farmers around the Kilombero valley.

Kilombero Member of Parliament, Abubakari Assenga speaks during sugarcane farmers and stakeholders during the opening of the dialogue ahead of the 3-day exhibition which will be held in Kilombero Sugar grounds.

Participants of sugar cane industry and stakeholders keenly follow the proceedings of dialogue ahead of the 3-day exhibition which will be held in Kilombero Sugar grounds.

The Chairman of the Kilombero Sugarcane Farmers' Day Exhibition and also the Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager at Kilombero Sugar, Victor Byemelwa escorts Kilombero Member of Parliament Abubakari Assenga to a dialogue ahead of the 3-day exhibition which will be held in Kilombero Sugar grounds.

9 October 2024 - Kilombero, Morogoro: The Kilombero Sugarcane Farmers' Day Exhibition has commenced with stakeholders from across the sugar industry engaging in discussions on this year's theme, "Empowering Cane Farmers Through Technology and Innovation: A Path to Increased Productivity and Sugar Sufficiency." The aim of this theme is to educate stakeholders and showcase cutting-edge technology. The exhibition will include a wide range of farming equipment, quality seeds, proper fertilizer usage, and various methods for disease and pest control in sugarcane crops.

During the dialogue session, Mr. Victor Byemelwa, the Chairman of the Kilombero Sugarcane Farmers' Day Exhibition and also the Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager at Kilombero Sugar, emphasized the importance of reflecting on the theme at the start of this year's exhibition. The committee aims to ensure that the exhibition in Kilombero Valley is well-prepared and informative to farmers around the Kilombero valley. This year's event, expanded to three days for the first time, is expected to attract thousands of sugarcane farmers and stakeholders.

The exhibition will showcase innovations such as precision farming tools, sustainable irrigation systems, and advanced machinery, all aimed at increasing yields while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs. The exhibition dialogue includes interactive sessions, providing farmers with practical insights into how these tools can modernize their farming operations. Industry experts will lead panel discussions and technical workshops focusing on overcoming key challenges such as low yields, high production costs, and competitiveness in the marketplace.

Bakari Ally Mkangama, Chairman of Kilombero Joint Enterprises Cooperatives Society, which represents 17 Agricultural Marketing Co-operatives (AMCOS), emphasized during the dialogue, "This dialogue is a significant opportunity for our farmers to discuss all matters related to modern farming techniques. With the support of partners, we are empowering farmers with the knowledge and technology to improve their yields, work more efficiently, and achieve self-sufficiency."

Hon. Abubakari Assenga, the Kilombero Member of Parliament and a guest speaker at the function, expressed his support for the efforts made by the organizers to value the farmers and provide this platform. He assured stakeholders in the sugar value chain that the government will continue to protect and enhance the industry.

The three-day event, supported by the Sugar Board of Tanzania and key partners such as the Kilombero Sugar Company, National Social Security Fund (NSSF), CRDB Bank, Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), African Wildlife Foundation, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Unitrans, Kanu Equipment, John Deer and Kilombero Co-operatives Joint Enterprise Ltd, will focus on empowering farmers through modern technologies designed to boost production, efficiency, and self-sufficiency in the sugar sector.

The exhibition is open to all sugarcane farmers and related stakeholders, and participation is free of charge. Attendees will benefit from various activities, including technical demonstrations, financial advice, and opportunities to network with key stakeholders in the sugarcane industry.