Tanzania sees wheat, edible oil production as a solution to reliance on imports

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Agriculture, Daniel Chongolo, has asked the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) to explore additional strategic areas to broaden the scope of results.

The minister gave the instructions today, November 25, 2025, while citing the example of wheat and edible oil as saying they should be prioritized to reduce dependence on imports.

Elaborating, Mr Chongolo said that the authority should build a long-term policy commitment in increasing the production of strategic crops and expanding market opportunities to protect the country’s economy.

Moreover, he directed COPRA to look into cloves and cocoa while instructing that regions such as Morogoro be provided with 500,000 seedlings so that production can begin immediately.

ALSO READ: 80 Tanzanian youth trained for EACOP mission graduate

According to the minister, he said that it is important to use youth from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in the coming season, as with minimal support, they can reach various areas and provide farmers with education.

Regarding the digital auction system through the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX) and the Warehouse Receipt Regulatory Board (WRRB), Minister Chongolo commended their work and said that for them to operate more strategically, they must focus on areas that deliver higher value in the crop and trade value chain.

Furthermore, he instructed the cashewnut board to verify pesticide spraying on cashews using Extension Officers and BBT–Cashew youth, to close loopholes and increase productivity and results.