By VALENTINE OFORO, DODOMA
The National Ranching Company (Narco) is finalizing processes to launch a new major ranch in Kagera region, a positive move that aimed at developing the livestock sector within the country.
Dubbed Mwisa II, the 66,200-hectare ranch is expected to attract a number of local and foreign investors, according to NARCO’s Managing Director, Peter Msoffe.
Making revelation to the East Africa Herald, Msoffe said the ranch will comprise at least 36 ranching blocks with potential livestock keeping.
He further said the company is currently working in cooperation with the parent ministry to demarcate, relocate and compensate some residents who have invaded some areas of the envisaged ranch.
“We have set aside a total of 11,700 hectares in order to compensate the villagers in four villages of Lotoro, Kyobuhele, Misambya and Byingerenge who have invaded the ranching areas,” he expressed.
He informed that, if all goes well the new ranch (Mwisa II) will be launched in October this year.
The managing director noted that the establishment of the major facility was an important step for them to invest largely and professionally in local areas.
According to him, NARCO had so far developed a crucial roadmap for the implementation of the strategic programme that would overhaul and improve the livestock keeping industry in the country for Tanzania to ensure the sector plays an important role in fast-tracking a pace of industrialization drive in the country.
“The livestock sector is crucial in fast-tracking the country’s industrial economy, and therefore, we are well prepared to ensure farmers are keeping their livestock in more professional and suitable areas,’’ he said.
Moreover, he added, plans are also afoot to start training livestock keepers on best animal breeds, as well as imparting them with key knowledge on how best to keep their livestock more professional.
“The plan is also to train our staff so that they can cope with modern livestock keeping technologies, and we are planning also to recruit more staff to facilitate the company’s delivering ability,” he observed.
He said the company has already demarcated and fenced all of its ranching blocks, apart from Mwisa II.
According to him, the exercise was targeted to curb an illegal invasion of ranching areas.
At least two potential investors from Egypt and Namibia have already lodged applications to invest in meat processing industries within the country.
A total of 120 giant and 200 small scale investors are currently with diverse contracts with the state-owned company in different regions