The Kilombero Sugarcane Farmers' Day Exhibition kicked off with a strategic dialogue involving stakeholders from across the sugar industry, focusing on this year’s theme: "Empowering Cane Farmers Through Technology and Innovation: A Path to Increased Productivity and Sugar Sufficiency."

The theme highlights the importance of educating stakeholders while showcasing the latest technological advancements in sugarcane farming.

The three-day event will feature a wide array of farming equipment, high-quality seeds, proper fertilizer usage, and effective methods for controlling diseases and pests in sugarcane crops. 

During the opening dialogue, Victor Byemelwa, Chairman of the Kilombero Sugarcane Farmers' Day Exhibition and Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager at Kilombero Sugar, stressed the significance of reflecting on the theme as the event begins.

The organizing committee is committed to ensuring that the exhibition, hosted in Kilombero Valley, is informative and well-prepared for farmers in the region. 

For the first time, this year’s event will span three days, drawing thousands of sugarcane farmers and industry stakeholders.

Showcased innovations include precision farming tools, sustainable irrigation systems, and advanced machinery, all designed to boost yields while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs. Interactive sessions will offer farmers hands-on insights into how these technologies can modernize their farming practices. 

Expert-led panel discussions and technical workshops will address challenges such as low yields, high production costs, and market competitiveness.

Bakari Ally Mkangama, Chairman of Kilombero Joint Enterprises Cooperatives Society, which represents 17 Agricultural Marketing Co-operatives (AMCOS), highlighted the value of the dialogue, stating: "This platform is a vital opportunity for our farmers to discuss modern farming techniques. With support from our partners, we are equipping farmers with the knowledge and technology they need to increase yields, improve efficiency, and move toward self-sufficiency."

Abubakari Assenga, the Kilombero Member of Parliament and guest speaker at the event, praised the organizers for their commitment to valuing farmers and providing this important platform. 

He reassured stakeholders in the sugar value chain that the government remains dedicated to supporting and strengthening the industry.

The three-day exhibition, supported by the Sugar Board of Tanzania and key partners such as 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 Deere, and Kilombero Co-operatives Joint Enterprise Ltd, is focused on empowering farmers through modern technologies aimed at enhancing production, efficiency, and self-sufficiency in the sugar sector.

The event is open to all sugarcane farmers and industry stakeholders, with free participation. 

Attendees will benefit from technical demonstrations, financial advice, and opportunities to network with key players in the sugarcane industry.