The Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC), in partnership with Kibo Seeds Company Limited, and Tumaini Group, today brought together more than 1,000 farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives, development partners and agricultural stakeholders for a Farmer Field Day aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity, improving market access and promoting commercial agriculture in Songwe Region.
Held in Mlowo Ward, Mbozi District, the event served as a practical platform for farmers to access improved agricultural technologies, quality inputs, technical knowledge and business opportunities. Participants engaged in demonstration plots, machinery and mechanization showcases, technical training sessions, exhibitions and structured business-to-business (B2B) engagements designed to strengthen linkages across the agricultural value chain.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Zakayo Mwaitosya, Acting Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary – Economic and Productive Sectors, commended the partnership for complementing Government efforts to transform agriculture into a productive, competitive and market-oriented sector.
“This Farmer Field Day directly supports the Government’s vision of commercial agriculture by equipping farmers with practical knowledge, quality technologies and stronger market linkages. Such partnerships are essential in advancing the objectives of the 10/30 Agenda and Tanzania Development Vision 2050.”
He noted that Songwe Region’s strategic location, fertile soils and strong agricultural base position it as one of Tanzania’s key grain-producing regions and an important gateway for regional trade. He encouraged farmers to embrace Good Agricultural Practices, reduce post-harvest losses, adopt improved seed and produce commodities that meets market requirements.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Eastern Africa Grain Council, EAGC Board Chair, Mr. Michael Kitulizo, emphasized that increasing production alone is no longer sufficient, noting that farmers must produce for the market by focusing on quality, consistency and competitiveness.
“The future of agriculture will not be determined by who produces the most, but by who consistently produces what the market demands, at the quality it requires. Today’s Farmer Field Day is about equipping farmers with the knowledge, technologies and market connections needed to build profitable agricultural enterprises.”
The Board Chair reaffirmed EAGC’s commitment to working with Government and private sector partners to strengthen structured grain trade, improve market intelligence, promote quality standards and expand regional market opportunities for farmers across Eastern Africa.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Kileo Ombeni, Regional Cluster Leader at Kibo Seeds Company Limited, underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in accelerating agricultural transformation and expanding farmers’ access to improved technologies and commercial opportunities.
Throughout the day, farmers received practical training on improved crop production, certified seed, climate-smart agriculture and post-harvest handling. Demonstration plots enabled participants to compare crop varieties and production practices, while exhibitors showcased a range of agricultural technologies, mechanization solutions and business support services. Exhibitors included Zana Bora, Minjingu Mines and Fertilizer, the Ministry of Agriculture through the Building Better Tomorrow (BBT) Programme, Imara Tech, Azania Bank, ITRACOM, Tanzania Biotech Products Limited, Plant Biodefenders Limited, Pee Pee Tanzania Limited (PPTL), and MIICO.
The event also facilitated structured Business-to-Business (B2B) engagements, aimed at strengthening commercial partnerships and expanding access to markets. Farmers also purchased certified seed and other agricultural inputs directly from exhibitors, highlighting the event’s role in linking farmers with reliable suppliers ahead of the next planting season.
The success of the Farmer Field Day was made possible through strong collaboration among Government, EAGC, Kibo Seeds Company Limited, Tumaini Group and a broad network of partners. Development partners including SAGCOT, ADP Mbozi, NADO, Solidaridad, and Farm Africa supported the initiative, while The Coca-Cola Company provided in-kind support, reinforcing the value of multi-stakeholder partnerships in advancing agricultural transformation and strengthening resilient grain value chains.
The Farmer Field Day forms part of EAGC’s broader efforts to strengthen resilient grain value chains by improving farmer capacity, promoting quality standards, facilitating market access and fostering partnerships that drive agricultural commercialization and regional food security.