Tanzania urges maize farmers to eye export markets
Tanzania’s Ministry of Agriculture is urging maize farmers to explore neighboring markets for surplus as the country anticipates a bumper harvest. The surplus, exceeding 1.2 million tonnes, is earmarked for export. The National Food Reserve Agency plans to begin purchasing cereals from farmers in July, focusing on maize and rice. Executive Director Dr. Andrew Komba highlights the strategy to meet both domestic and export demands, ensuring sustainable supply.
Tanzania authorities have urged maize farmers to seek markets in neighbouring countries for their surplus.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the country expects bumper harvest, and the surplus will exceed the preliminary demand assessment of maize, more than 1.2 million tonnes estimated for export markets in neighbouring countries.
National Food Reserve Agency is set to purchase cereals from farmers earlier in July due to expected bumper maize harvests from key growing areas in southern.
National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) executive director Dr Andrew Komba said the agency was set to start buying maize, rice and other food crops from farmers for storage and selling to local and foreign food markets beginning July.
NFRA strategy was to manage food reserves to ensure sustainable supply that would meet both domestic and export needs, the food agency officials said.
Source Link: https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/business/tanzania-urges-maize-farmers-to-eye-export-markets-4643234
