Tanzania reports 53% surge in maize output for MY 2023/24
Tanzania’s maize production rose by 53% to 12.26 million tonnes in 2023/24, driven by government investment and better farming practices. Officials stressed certified seed use and smallholder support. COPRA hosted the first Maize Day to unite farmers, buyers, and processors, promoting dialogue on productivity, market access, and value addition.
TANZANIA – Tanzania has recorded a significant rise in maize production, with output increasing from 8 million tonnes in the 2022/2023 season to 12.26 million tonnes in the 2023/2024 season, a 53% growth.
This was announced by Dr. Stephen Nindi, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for Crop Development, Food Security, and Cooperatives, during a maize stakeholders’ meeting held at the Nanenane grounds in Dodoma.
Dr. Nindi attributed the remarkable growth to sustained government investment in agriculture, which he said continues to drive year-on-year increases in production across various maize-producing regions.
“Maize production is increasing every year in regions where maize farming is dominant. I urge farmers to continue adhering to good agricultural practices,” he stated.
He lauded the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) for its regulatory role and commitment to scaling up crop productivity.
According to Dr. Nindi, about 80% of maize producers in Tanzania are small-scale farmers, and the government remains committed to strengthening extension services to ensure proper farming practices are widely adopted.
COPRA Director General Irene Mlola emphasized the authority’s mission to unify maize farmers, helping the sector respond to both local and regional market demands.
“Our role is to regulate cereals and mixed crops to ensure that farmers produce marketable, quality grains,” she noted.
In support of the production drive, the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) reiterated its efforts to promote certified seed use.
Nyasebwa Chimagu, TOSCI Director General, urged farmers to avoid uncertified seed varieties, underlining the direct link between seed quality and profitability.
“Agriculture is profitable when good seeds are used,” Chimagu said, adding that TOSCI will continue working with stakeholders to ensure accessibility to approved seed varieties.
COPRA hosts inaugural maize day
Coinciding with this momentum, COPRA hosted an inaugural Maize Day on August 6 at the Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition in Dodoma. The event, held at the Nzuguni grounds, aims to bring together farmers, buyers, processors, and other players in the maize value chain to address ongoing challenges and identify emerging opportunities.
“This is a unique platform for stakeholders to engage in a meaningful dialogue around maize production and marketing,” said Mr. Kamwesige Mtembei, COPRA’s Director of Operations and Quality Assurance.
He noted that the forum will explore critical areas such as access to seeds and fertilisers, input subsidies, market access, and quality standards. Cross-cutting issues including youth and women inclusion, financing, and value addition will also be discussed.
Mtembei added that the event also provides a platform to assess maize quality and identify opportunities for value-added processing that can benefit both smallholders and commercial players.
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Source : Milling MEA
