A project has been hatched in Seluka village of Mpwapwa district, majoring into production of a number of economic cash crops at an acreage of at least 99 acres, map withped over 94 km from Dodoma Capital City.

Attracting a total of 25 farmers, the robust agribusiness project came into life following a generous support by the Agricultural Markets Development Trust (AMDT) to install a 150 metre water well and a solar driven pumping system at the area, the initiative which gobbled up to 52m/- upon its completion. 

And within just a few months since the official runaway of the project, the group of the determined farmers, including 18 males and seven women, has so far managed to prove that with the availability of abundant water the semi- arid district of Mpwapwa can be transformed into the region's food basket. 

"To begin with, we decided to start to grow cucumbers and okras since mid-August this year, whereby today we have managed to yield bumper," said Pendo Lameck, the secretary of the group, known as the Seluka Irrigators Organisation. 

Giving further details pertaining to the group's future vision yesterday during a collaborative monitoring mission to the scheme with MoA and Dodoma Regional Secretariat representatives, the Lameck expressed that they're focusing to embark on a large scale irrigation scheme, targeting to grow varied vegetables and fruits, but also to venture into production of sunflower oil seeds, specifically a record variety. 

She expressed high optimism that the project will play a vital role in heightening livelihoods among the group's members, as well as boosting the entire economic status of the village when coming to its full operations. 

Adding her voice, the other farmer member, Henry Marealle informed that the intention was to see the union growing up big to the tune of using potential agricultural machineries, the development which will enable it to expand the crops production scope. 

"We want to transform this area into the region's crucial agribusiness site through engaging into large production of valuable vegetables and fruits, together with other crops that attract lucrative prices into the markets," he said. 

Together with that, he unveiled that the focus was to ensure they manage to put the whole available  99  hactares under production, saying doors we are open for well- wishers farmers to chip in and join with the useful group.

 He hailed the AMDT for supporting the group with the modern water well, saying before the installation of the irrigation facility it was impossible to grow anything in the vast area. 

Delta Shila the AMDT's Monitoring and Results Measurement, on his side said that the Trust has installed the water well in the area as part of responding to a plea from the government within the region. 

"AMDT has always been, and will continue standing at forefront to support the government to meet its much- needed National Development Vision 2050 through agricultural transformation, among others," he said. 

 Aziza Mumba, the assistant Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), apart from hailing the farmers for the great works she challenged them to use the water facility to produce the crops that attracts huge markets within the region, including lemon, and carrots.

 She also directed the office of the agriculture ministry within the district to mull over the possibility to include the village among the areas to benefit from the water wells being constructed countywide by the National Irrigation Commission.

 Godfrey Ayako, the Mpwapwa district agriculture officer on his side pledged close support towards the project which he observed will promote the agriculture sector in the district, if well managed.

 He said his office will dispatch the project with a total of 150 seedlings of various trees, including mangoes and lemons.

 "Apart from agriculture, this area also holds good potential for livestock keeping and thus, you must prepare effectively to start keeping various animals for improving your incomes alongside the crops you're producing," he urged.

 Makoye Japhet, the agriculture officer from the ministry of agriculture was part of the useful visit and on his side spoke over the need for the farmers to seek for possible capital loans from the Agricultural Inputs Trust Fund (AGITIF) being rolled out through the Building Better Tomorrow (BBT) program.

 With the possible support, he said the farmers will stand the opportunity to expand production and productivity in the plantations, thus pushing their individual commercial gains into impressive heights.