Dar es Salaam. The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that it recognises and is prioritising local innovators producing agricultural equipment, saying the move aims to simplify and improve farming, a key sector of the economy.
The innovators, who manufacture tools such as tractors, irrigation machines, harvesting equipment, planting machines, value addition machinery and ox-drawn ploughs, have been urged to ensure they maintain high quality standards in their production.
The remarks were made on February 5, 2026, by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanisation, Engineer Athumani Kilundumya, while closing the First African Regional Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanisation (ACSAM) held in Dar es Salaam. The conference was jointly organised by the Government of Tanzania and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Kilundumya said the Government has recognised the contribution of local innovators and has prepared an innovation competition that will be held during the Nanenane Farmers’ Day celebrations, where winners will receive awards.
The statement comes as the Government, through Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, recently launched the second phase of the National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, a 10-year initiative running from 2025/26 to 2036.
“First, we have already identified small-scale manufacturers and during Nanenane celebrations we have prepared a special area for them to showcase their innovations and compete,” said Kilundumya.
He added that the Government aims to establish 1,000 agricultural mechanisation service centres across the country. He said the initiative is intended to ensure that no Tanzanian farmer remains trapped in low-income farming.
Assistant Director-General of FAO and Regional Representative for Africa, Abebe Gabriel, said the conference demonstrated the urgent need for Africa to transform its agricultural mechanisation systems, noting that transformation goes beyond machines to include integrated systems supported by digital innovation.
“This conference has provided direction on modern agricultural mechanisation. Our responsibility is to ensure these innovations become a reality in transforming our communities,” he said.
The ACSAM conference was established as a unique platform for sharing best practices, strengthening regional collaboration and promoting sustainable use of agricultural mechanisation technologies aimed at improving productivity and farmers’ incomes across Africa.