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MPs fault government on failure to implement policies on agriculture
2008-07-24 10:37:32
By Guardian Reporter, Dodoma
The government came under intense pressure in the National Assembly yesterday over its failure to implement agricultural policies and realising a long-time dream of establishing the Agricultural Bank.
Lawmakers from the ruling CCM, joined hordes faulting the government on serious shortcomings on the country`s back-bone sector unmet plans and strategies over the years on both the first and second day of a hot debate, here.
``The budget report has not come up with solutions to the burning issues confronting our farmers…it`s a mere history book,`` said Kisesa MP on the ticket of the ruling CCM, in his contribution to the debate yesterday.
He said problems facing the farmers have been persistent for many years and there were no signs that they could be solved through ``unmet good plans and strategies`` that the government had been unveiling in the august House every year.
Ruling CCM secretary general Yussuf Makamba praised the minister for a good budget speech that reflected the party`s policies and its 2005 election manifesto, but expressed reservations on effective implementation, considering past failures to put it in practice various good policies, including the Iringa Declaration.
``We write a lot, and we talk a lot, but our major problem is in implementation…we shouldn`t shoulder the people with huge cargos which we, ourselves, cannot carry.
Why preach what we don`t practice?`` queried the appointed law-maker.
In his common style of quoting the holy scriptures-the Qur-an and the Bible, Makamba warned leaders who were not exemplary on the sector to the people they lead, and particularily those who didn\'t translate what they say into practice.
William Shellukindo (Bumbuli, CCM) queried the ministry`s seriousness on the issue of food security, which he said was essential, especially at this time when the world is facing a big food crisis.
``I have doubts…Do, we ensure food security, how?`` asked the MP, quoting an article on the recent issue of the African Business magazine, likening the on-going food crisis to ``a silent Tsunami.``
Shellukindo said time was ripe for the ministry to speed up the process on the proposed Agricultural Bank, wondering why the government was still dragging feet in bringing to Parliament the bill considering the fact that a private motion he moved in the House last year proposing transformation of the Tanzania Investment Bank (TIB) into a new agro-bank was discussed and endorsed in November, last year.
Rosemary Kirigini (Special seats, CCM) said the bank was an important element for improving agro-financing in the country and the small-holders needed it urgently to be able to obtain loans.
Bujiku Sakila (Kwimba, CCM) said the use of the hand-hoe wouldn`t get the country anywhere in its resolve to bring about the green revolution. ``It`s very dissatisfying, because majority of our farmers are still using the hand-hoe,`` he said.
Special seats legislator on the ticket of CCM, Lediana Mng`ong`o urged the government to improve fertiliser distribution system and take into account disadvantaged groups, like orphans.
She also said the government should see to it that it improved extension services, by training more experts at all levels and improving the working environment so that, the experts could work conveniently.
Ibrahim Sanya ( Stone Town, CUF) said soaring food prices and increasing shortage of the same should be taken by the government as an opportunity to boost production for ensuring food security at home and selling abroad.
``This is a golden chance…we can exploit it by producing more for local use and for export,`` advised Sanya.
However, he said the country needed productive investments in agriculture.
``This country surprises me so much…we have leather, but we import plastic shoes, we have cotton, but we import clothes and we have fruits, but we import juice,`` wondered Sanya.
Basil Mramba (Rombo, CCM) advised the ministry to forge a link between agricultural research and extension services in the country, for achieving good results on the proposed green revolution.
``We need cohesion and good link between research and extension services.
Successes achieved in tea production, should be replicated in other crops,`` he said.
Wasira, who tabled his budget estimates on Tuesday, was expected to respond to the lawmakers` reservations on his report yesterday evening.
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