Tanzania’ s strategy to save maize growers from financial ruin

Dar es Salaam. The government is planning to more than double the purchase of maize to 700,000 tonnes in the coming financial year in attempt to rescue farmers from falling prices.

The Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Mr David Silinde, provided the commitment to the Parliament yesterday, promising competitive prices.

Mr Silinde was responding to a supplementary question from Mbozi MP, Mr George Mwenisongole (CCM), who sought to know the government’s plans to rescue the crop’s deteriorating prices.

“The government has planned to increase the scope of purchasing maize in the 2024/25 fiscal year from the earlier 300,000 tonnes to 700,000 tonnes. I believe the strategy will increase to satisfactory prices to farmers,” he said.

In the main question, Kwela MP Deus Sangu (CCM) wanted to know the government’s strategies for providing a reliable maize market to prevent losses incurred by farmers in the country. Responding, Mr Silinde said the government was implementing various strategies to secure reliable markets for maize farmers, including connecting them with maize processors and manufacturers of flour and animal feed.

“Empowering the Cereals and Other Produce Board (CPB) and the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) in purchasing grains from farmers at competitive prices to stabilise price fluctuations,” he said.

Furthermore, he said Tanzanian embassies abroad through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), and other international institutions are utilised to facilitate access to market opportunities in various countries.

According to him, the government continues to use electronic systems such as the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX) to provide information on the availability of markets for the respective crops.

Responding to a supplementary question from Mr Daimu Mpakate (Tunduru South MP, CCM), who sought to know the progress of countrywide warehouse construction, Mr Silinde said funds have been allocated in the 2024/25 budget for the execution of the said projects.