DODOMA, April 30 -- THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock has urged the government to increase investment in the agriculture sector and reduce reliance on unpredictable external financing.

Presenting the views after the Minister for Agriculture, Daniel Chongolo, presented the 2026/27 budget estimates for his docket before the National Assembly, the Committees Chairperson, Deodatus Mwanyika, said the current budget trend contradicts international commitments to allocate at least 10 per cent of national budgets to agriculture, calling for increased funding to meet that target.

The Committee also raised concern over persistent crossborder smuggling of crops, urging tighter inspection and enforce...