In a significant agricultural triumph, Tanzania has reported a surplus of 2.1 million tonnes of maize for the 2022/23 season, surpassing expectations and marking a milestone for the country's farming sector.
Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe announced the impressive surplus, revealing that the nation's farmers produced a remarkable 8.1 million tonnes during the season, exceeding the demand of 6 million tonnes. Taking to his social media platform on Monday, Minister Bashe expressed optimism, projecting an even higher production of 10 million tonnes for the upcoming 2023/24 season.
"The projection is even higher, and needy countries have started communicating with us," shared Minister Bashe on his official social media account.
Encouraging maize traders to seize the opportunity, Minister Bashe urged them to expand their businesses by exploring markets in countries facing a shortage of crop. While Tanzania has significantly expanded its trade patterns with neighboring countries such as Kenya, Congo, and Rwanda, nations are grappling with shortages, including Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
The surplus, exceeding the preliminary demand assessment of over 1.2 million tonnes for needy countries, presents a promising avenue for Tanzanian traders. Minister Bashe advised traders who stored corn during the previous season to continue doing so, as the Ministry of Agriculture would soon issue export permits free of charge through the Agricultural Trade Management Information System (ATMIS).
To protect farmers and ensure sustainability, Minister Bashe advised against hasty sales due to overproduction. Farmers were encouraged to reserve their products and await potential price changes in June, thereby maximizing profits soon.
Highlighting government initiatives to support farmers, Minister Bashe urged those while harvesting to regrow hybrid sunflower and Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) seeds during the current monsoon rains, as per the announcement by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA).
He assured farmers that the government would continue purchasing corn to safeguard their interests without adversely affecting consumers. Additionally, he emphasized the continuation of fertilizer subsidies, ensuring that the support system remains accessible to returning farmers for the current season. Minister Bashe reiterated his commitment to sustaining agricultural prosperity and fostering a robust trade environment for Tanzania's farming community.