VP stresses food security
Tanzania’s government is strengthening food security by increasing agricultural production, reducing post-harvest losses, and combating aflatoxins and crop fungal diseases. Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango emphasized this commitment during his visit to Dodoma Region, where he laid the foundation for the Centre of Excellence for Grain Management. The center aims to address challenges like fungal contamination, which often leads to crop rejection in markets. Additionally, the government is implementing training programs, improving seed quality, and expanding irrigation infrastructure to support farmers.
DODOMA: THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing food security by boosting agricultural production and reducing post-harvest losses through measures aimed at combating aflatoxins and crop fungal diseases.
Aflatoxins are toxins produced by certain fungi that can contaminate crops such as maize (corn), peanuts, cottonseed and tree nuts.
The primary fungi responsible for aflatoxin production are Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which thrive in warm and humid conditions.
Vice President Dr Philip Mpango reaffirmed the commitment during a visit to Dodoma Region, where he laid the foundation stone for the Centre of Excellence for Grain Management in Mtanana, Kongwa District.
He described the centre as a crucial part of the sixth phase government’s efforts to maintain food security.
“The construction of this centre addresses the long-standing challenges faced by farmers whose produce was often rejected in markets due to fungal contamination,” said Dr Mpango.
He praised the Ministry of Agriculture for its training programs on best agricultural practices aimed at combating crop fungal diseases.
To date, 12,517 farmers in Dodoma Region have benefited from this training. He urged the ministry to continue its educational efforts.
The VP also directed the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA), to ensure there is availability of high-quality and affordable seeds for farmers while controlling substandard seeds by inspecting sellers and seed producers.
During his visit, the VP instructed the Ministry of Agriculture, via the Irrigation Commission, to address the Mtanana residents’ request for an irrigation dam. “This dam will help to mitigate frequent floods and promote irrigation-based agriculture,” he stated.
He further urged the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, through the Meat and Dairy Boards, to address unfair practices and fraud in the livestock trade, particularly cattle, in Kongwa District.
He emphasised the need for a fair and transparent livestock market by ensuring that sales are conducted using legitimate measurements rather than estimations.
Dr Mpango also called on research institutions, including the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), to explore new crop varieties suitable for the Dodoma Region, given its potential for high crop yields.
He directed Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Regional and District Commissioners, to spend less time in offices and more time visiting communities to address people’s challenges.
Minister for Agriculture, Mr Hussein Bashe, highlighted that the centre of excellence for grain management project will include a flour processing plant.
The ministry plans to add nutrient blending equipment to address challenges associated with blending nutrients abroad.
Mr Bashe also noted that the plant will enable smallholder farmers to process their maize at lower costs and sell it directly to customers.
He announced that the ministry will implement a new system for managing maize seeds to combat substandard seeds and will not hesitate to revoke the licenses of seed producers found guilty of possessing and selling banned seeds.
The government is addressing aflatoxins through the Tanzania Initiatives for Preventing Aflatoxin Contamination (TANIPAC) project, which includes the construction of modern silos, warehouses and laboratories to improve food storage and align with the Tanzania Development Vision 2025, focusing on food security, income improvement and export growth.
Meanwhile, the VP has ordered the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) to renovate Ntundwa-Hurui road in Kondoa District to stimulate economic activities among the residents in the area.
The VP issued the order after laying a foundation stone at the 30metres Hurui River bridge at Kikore ward in Mwapwa District. The construction of the bridge has cost 1.6bn/- upon its completion.
He urged the residents to protect the bridge by reporting any form of vandalism saying the structure is set to serve both the current and coming generations.
Dr Mpango has also ordered for the completion of water project in the area by October 30, this year. He has also ordered the Ministry of Land, Housing and Settlement to resolve the dispute raised by Hurui village residents.
The villagers claimed that the village land was sold to the investor without following proper procedures.
Source Link : https://dailynews.co.tz/vp-stresses-food-security/
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