PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has handed over 1.1bn/- to 25 groups under the "Build a Better Tomorrow" (BBT) programme to bolster productive farming.

President Samia presented a symbolic cheque to some of the beneficiaries during the Agriculture Exhibitions (Nane Nane) at the Nzuguni grounds in Dodoma.

She expressed satisfaction with the benefits seen by the youth in the livestock and fisheries sectors following her visit to the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries' pavilion.

President Samia urged the youth to seize the opportunities to improve their economic status and educate peers who have not yet taken advantage of these opportunities, particularly in livestock and fisheries.

At the funding handover from the Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Abdallah Ulega announced that the funds are a concessional loan and that the government plans to continue providing loans in the 2024/25 financial year.

Addressing the exhibition participants, President Samia reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering an inclusive economy that benefits all citizens from investments in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.

She highlighted increased budget allocations to these sectors aimed at expanding irrigation, improving fertilizer use, seed production and distribution, strengthening extension services, and upgrading livestock service infrastructure.

Additionally, she noted ongoing efforts to build and refurbish livestock processing industries, fishing infrastructure, and aquatic species development, as well as providing concessional loans to fishermen and livestock keepers.

Minister Abdallah Ulega reported that the ministry’s budget for the 2024/25 financial year has been increased to 465bn/-, doubling the previous budget and enabling better support for livestock keepers and fishermen.

He also announced a major national vaccination campaign for livestock and initiatives for livestock identification and plans to provide concessional loans for 450 fishing boats and 900 fish cages to enhance the sector and contribute to both individual and national income.