In a reassuring announcement, the Tanzanian government has pledged to purchase maize and wheat, ensuring farmers a stable market for their produce. The declaration was made by the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, who affirmed that the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) is fully prepared to buy all cereals, addressing concerns raised by farmers regarding potential market shortages, particularly due to reports suggesting neighboring countries might halt grain imports, especially maize and wheat.
Minister Bashe made this commitment while speaking to residents of Hanang District in the Manyara Region, as part of an event honoring President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan during her visit to the Singida Region. He disclosed plans, in collaboration with NFRA Director General Dr. Andrew Komba, to procure 5,000 tonnes of wheat available in Hanang District.
He also mentioned the government's previous purchase of 20,000 tonnes of maize in the last harvest season, assuring farmers that all pending payments would be settled before the next season.
Addressing concerns about potential border closures impacting trade, Minister Bashe stated, "Don’t panic about neighboring countries threatening to close the border; the government will buy the produce. Even if they close the border, we know that they only buy 40,000 tonnes of maize yearly, which is within the government’s capability to handle.”
He further acknowledged the fluctuation of maize prices due to the temporary closure of NFRA's cereal purchasing centers and assured farmers that these centers would soon reopen During his address, Minister Bashe urged citizens to prepare for the upcoming farming season by taking advantage of government-subsidized fertilizers to boost production.
Additionally, he announced that the government would issue a cap price for all seeds in every region across the country by the end of the week. He warned seed traders and agro dealers to adhere to the prescribed seed prices, emphasizing that violations would result in penalties, including license revocation.
This government initiative signifies a crucial step toward ensuring food security for farmers and stability in the agricultural market, demonstrating Tanzania's commitment to supporting its agricultural community. Farmers can now approach the upcoming harvest season with greater confidence, knowing that their produce will find a reliable market through the NFRA's procurement efforts.