Five Singida districts receive 34 power tiller tractors for hire
The government has allocated 34 small power tiller tractors to five district councils in Singida Region.
Stanslaus Choaji, the assistant regional administrative secretary for economy and production, announced at a handover ceremony yesterday that Ikungi District will receive 15 tillers, Mkalama District 12, Singida District 3, Iramba District 2, and Manyoni District 2.
This initiative aims to make agricultural machinery more accessible and affordable for farmers, with expectations to boost productivity and support the national objective of raising agriculture’s contribution to 10 percent of GDP by 2030. The program seeks to bring machinery closer to farmers through affordable rental rates, reducing dependence on expensive private tractor services. Improved access is anticipated to enable farmers to expand cultivated land and improve efficiency, with a goal of doubling current production levels.
Power tillers will be housed at ward-level agricultural tool centers for rental at set rates, allowing funds previously spent on expensive hires to be redirected toward subsidized seeds and fertilizers.
Regional Commissioner Halima Dendego handed over the equipment, lauding leadership for delivering ward-level agricultural tool centers for farmers. She urged district councils and farmers to ensure the equipment is used effectively to produce enough food for household consumption, with a surplus available for sale.
Each district must establish clear guidelines and operational plans for using the equipment, ensuring tractors are accessible at ward-level centers rather than remaining idle in council yards.
Inspectors will assess in the coming weeks how tool centers are set up, how farmers are educated on usage, and how the rental process is managed to keep it affordable. Agricultural service officers are expected to model best practices, as this initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of making the country a regional food basket, supported by subsidized inputs. The ultimate measure of success will be the effective use of the provided tools to boost food production and market surplus.
