President-elect Dr John Magufuli has promised to push for the introduction of large-scale farms and establishment of modern grapevine factories in the region to make farmers have reliable markets.

 

The plan also involves establishing a special board to oversee all the activities involved in the cultivation of the crop. Like others boards such as the cotton and coffee boards, the grapes board will be dedicated to advocate farmers' rights as well as help them secure inputs and markets for their produce.

 

Speaking exclusively to The Citizen here recently, MP-elect for Dodoma Rural Anthony Mavunde said he has already prepared a viable plan to have the mission accomplished.

 

"I am planning to have a roundtable meeting with fellow Mps, especially in other districts where grapes is grown to strategize on how best to implement the plan and I'm optimistic that the plan will materialise," he explained.

 

Mr Mavunde added that grapes cultivation was the quick and promising way of letting many youth here escape poverty, as well as elevating the regions' economic status.

 

Grapes are also currently farmed in Bahi and Chamwino districts as the farmers in the areas have been assured to receive a loan from the Tanzania Investment Bank (TIB) to an estimated tune of Sh729 million.

Source : allafrica.com