Tanzania Regional Commissioners have commended the Ministry of Agriculture for shifting the long-held narrative of agriculture as merely the backbone of the economy to positioning it as a fully-fledged pillar, while continuing to serve as a critical driver of agricultural success in the country.
This was expressed during a joint working session between the Ministry of Agriculture and the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), which brought together Regional Commissioners on April 16, 2026, at St. Gasper Hotel in Dodoma.
In their submissions, the Regional Commissioners urged the Ministry to sustain efforts to create an enabling environment for strengthening cooperatives, advancing commodity platforms into strategic drivers, and spearheading transformative reforms in the agricultural sector. They noted that the collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and TAMISEMI reflects a strong commitment to improving operational conditions that directly affect farmers, offering renewed hope and enhanced income prospects.
Speaking during the meeting, Agriculture Minister Daniel Chongolo said momentum within the Cereals and Mixed Crops Regulatory Authority (COPRA), under the leadership of Director General Irene Mlola, has enabled the agency to play a catalytic role in the construction of a Central Agricultural Research Laboratory in Mtumba, Dodoma Region. He added that COPRA has also facilitated the establishment of a zonal laboratory in Morogoro Region to support seed research.
“Congratulations for creating a productive long-term environment to expand the scope of crop production within the seven zones it oversees in the country, and for enabling agriculture to continue performing well commercially,” said Minister Chongolo.
The meeting also provided Regional Commissioners with updates on the National Agricultural Extension Services Agency (NAESA), which is scheduled to commence operations in July 2026.
Among the leaders who attended the session were Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office – TAMISEMI; Gerald Mweli, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture; Regional Commissioners; and representatives from the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and COPRA.
