CRDB Bank has always been an eager and willing contributor to the agricultural sector of the economy and the initiatives set up by the government through the “Kilimo Kwanza” to support this sector, which is the largest in the Tanzanian economy. Today CRDB Bank is continuing its support by financing, through a loan, 20 tractors, trailers, ploughs and constructing 6 godowns for the Chunya Tobacco Growers Co-operative Union.

The loan came to a total of USD 804,264.84 (more than TZS 1.2 billion) and included the 6 godowns and 20 tractors which are 375s Massey Ferguson models with 75 Horse Power engines and 2 wheel drive and are packaged with a hydraulic trailer and 3 disc ploughs.

The hand-over of these tractors was held today, 3rd August 3, 2010 at Tazara Railway Station grounds. The Director of Marketing opened the ceremony, commenting that the rain was a positive sign for the farmers in Tanzania and therefore for the work CRDB was doing with them, before introducing the Managing Director of CRDB Bank who reminded the congregation how important it was to support Tanzanian agriculture, especially the tobacco growers facing adversity due to nations reducing tobacco imports, and how well the agriculture section was doing, even through times of global economical decline. The Managing Director’s speech was met with applause and appreciation for the contribution CRDB Bank retains in the agriculture section and in aiding the people most important in the development of Tanzania. Soon after a representative from the Chunya Tobacco Growers Co-operative Union gave his thanks and gratitude to CRDB Bank for their input and support.

The event was finalized by the Managing Director cutting the banners in front of the tractors symbolizing the official hand-over of the tractors to the representatives of the Chunya Tobacco Growers Co-operative Union.

This event not only highlights the continuing relationship, which CRDB Bank holds so favorably, with the agriculture sector that supports so much of society but also helps to create a better bond with the government by aiding them through the highly regarded “Kilimo Kwanza” campaign.

CRDB Bank is always at the forefront of economical advancements that aid our Tanzanian culture and society and today has been no exception. We are pleased that the hand-over event went well and will continue to support, not only the tobacco growers but the agriculture section at large way into the future just as we have done in the past.

CRDB Bank Managing Director, Dr Charles Kimei (second right) cuts a ribbon during a ceremony to hand over the loan of 20 tractors to Chunya Tobacco Growers Co-operative Union Ltd (CHUTCU), Chairman Mr Sebastian Masika(third right) in Dar es Salaam.

Chunya Tobacco Growers Cooperative Union chairman Sebastian Masika tries one of tractors, which have been bought with a CRDB Bank loan in Dar es Salaam.