Speaking during the official opening of the conference, the guest of honor, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe explained that the theme for this year's conference has come in a very right time as it is the country’s aspiration to attain the middle-income economy by 2025 through industrialization under the current administration led by H.E. Dr. John Pombe Magufuli.

He said that, agriculture is very important sector in Tanzania’s economic growth and development. Since independence, the government has in various ways been providing a special attention in developing the sector. For example, the government is currently implementing a second phase of the five – year Agricultural Sector Development Programme (ASDP II) which is the roadmap for the agricultural sector development.
 

Hon. Hussein Bashe

Hon. Bashe Continued to says that history shows that the industrial revolution paradigm has gone through four phases hitherto. While the first three phases where driven by steam and water energy, electricity, and ICT respectively, the fourth phase is driven by technological innovations such as automation and chemical manufacturing.

The fourth industrial revolution calls for agricultural transformation from traditional farming to agro-processing, value addition and manufacturing to meet the fast growing global food demand. Such transformation however, should go parallel with the development of other sectors of the economy such as energy, education, infrastructure and trade. 
The current government administration is very much into making sure agricultural transformation is linked with other sectors of the economy. Apparently, the government is constructing an exemplary hydroelectric power-generating dam on which the agriculture sector will largely leverage. The government is also constructing standard gauge railway that has a direct bearing on agricultural distributive efficiency.
 

Hon. Bashe explained further that the Tanzanian government through the Ministry of Agriculture, is developing rules and regulations that will apply specifically to the management of the Agricultural Sector and that two laws are expected to be complete by next year where he has also welcomed all agricultural economists to provide their suggestions and recommendations for improvements.

Speaking on Research, Hon. Bashe said that there are many research studies being conducted in the country but its results are sometimes not easily to be implemented by farmers especially those in rural areas so it is good for researchers to develop simple technologies and techniques that will be easy for all farmers to use them to improve their farming.
Hon. Bashe concluded his speech by saying that he believes the 2019  Annual Scientific Conference and meeting of AGREST will come with positive recommendations 

“I therefore believe you will do justice to science and practice as you critically discuss the submitted papers It is my hope that this conference will come up with relevant recommendations to help the government make informed decisions and polices. I assure you that the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to closely working and valuing your research contribution to the development of the nation’s economy” 

Earlier speaking, the AGREST Chairperson, Dr. Elibariki Msuya said that the meeting was attended by  various guests from various professional and backgrounds including students, Researchers, Government Officials and NGOs whereby a total of  44 scientific publications will be presented and discussed.
 

Dr. Elibariki Msuya

The meeting and conference will provides an opportunity for stakeholders and members to share their ideas on various agricultural development efforts made by various stakeholders on environmental change and learning from others. The conference will also provide an opportunity for young Scientists and practitioners in the field of agricultural economics to gain experience in preparing and presenting scientific works.
 

Dean of the School of Agricultural Economics and Business Studies, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Dr. Adam Akyoo speaking
 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Finance) of thr Moshi Cooperative University (MoCU) Prof. Fredy Kilima (Right) handing over the gift to Deputy Minister of Agriculture Hon. Hussein Bashe immediately after opening the Conference.
 

Hon Bashe Greeting with members and conference participants
 

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The 11th AGREST conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM)

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