Kilombero Sugarcane farmers to benefit from innovation and technology at upcoming exhibition

By Guardian Reporter , The Guardian

Published at 05:08 PM Sep 12 2024

Photo: Guardian Correspondent

Victor Byemelwa, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager at Kilombero Sugar Company, addresses journalists in Kilombero District about the highly anticipated Kilombero Valley Sugarcane Farmers Exhibition.

Sugarcane farmers in Kilombero District are set to benefit from cutting-edge innovations in farming technologies at the Kilombero Sugarcane Farmers Exhibition Day, scheduled for 10th to 12th October 2024.

The three-day event, supported by Kilombero Sugar Company alongside key partners such as the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), CRDB Bank, Agriculture Co. Ltd, Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), African Wildlife Foundation, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Unitrans, Kanu Equipment, and Kilombero Co-operatives Joint Enterprise Ltd, will focus on empowering farmers through modern technologies designed to boost production, efficiency, and self-sufficiency in the sugar sector.

This year’s event, which has been expanded to three days for the first time, is expected to attract thousands of sugarcane farmers and stakeholders. The exhibition will showcase innovations including precision farming tools, sustainable irrigation systems, and advanced machinery—all aimed at increasing yields while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.

Victor Byemelwa, Chairperson of the Preparation Committee and Communications & Stakeholder Relations Manager at Kilombero Sugar Company, highlighted the importance of the event for farmers.

“We’ve expanded this year’s Kilombero Sugarcane Farmers Exhibition to ensure that farmers can experience firsthand the innovations that are transforming the sugarcane industry. Through these technologies, farmers will be better equipped to increase production, improve efficiency, and contribute to Tanzania’s self-sufficiency in sugar production,” Byemelwa said.

The exhibition will provide live demonstrations and interactive sessions, giving farmers practical insights into how these tools can modernize their farming operations. Industry experts will lead panel discussions and technical workshops that focus on overcoming key challenges such as low yields, high production costs, and competitiveness in the marketplace.

James Mayunga, Manager for Kilombero Joint Enterprises Cooperatives Society, which represents 17 Agricultural Marketing Co-operatives (AMCOS), emphasized how the event would benefit the local farming community.

“This exhibition is a significant opportunity for our farmers to embrace modern farming techniques. With the support of Kilombero Sugar Company and other partners, we are empowering farmers with the knowledge and technology to improve their yields, work more efficiently, and achieve self-sufficiency,” Mayunga said.

The exhibition is open to all sugarcane farmers and related stakeholders, and participation is free of charge. Attendees will benefit from various activities, including technical demonstrations, financial advice, and opportunities to network with key stakeholders in the sugarcane industry.

Together, these organizations are committed to advancing Tanzania’s sugarcane sector through innovation, sustainable farming practices, and financial support.