400 horticultural stakeholders in Dar to promote, develop the sector

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, has organized a major stakeholders’ conference on horticultural crops that is expected to bring together participants from within and outside the country to discuss opportunities, challenges, and strategies to promote the sector.

Information released by the ministry of agriculture stated that the conference will take place from November 12 to 13 in Dar es Salaam and that from then it will be held annually.

According to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Gerald Mweli, over 400 stakeholders are expected to attend.

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Additionally, he said that the conference will serve as a catalyst for strengthening collaboration between the government, the private sector, and development partners in improving the horticultural industry in the country.

“The horticultural sector continues to be an important source of income for farmers and the nation at large due to its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings,” Mr Mweli said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) Dr Jacqueline Nkindi, added that the conference will empower farmers to adopt modern technologies and open up new international markets.

Dr Nkindi noted that TAHA has set a target to increase the value of horticultural production by about 2bn US dollars between 2030 and 2035.