ElNINO RAINS: Govt assures food security
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Ministry of Agriculture has assured the public that the country has adequate food stocks and strategic reserves ahead of the anticipated El Niño weather pattern, while urging farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to take early measures to minimise the potential impact of heavy rains.
Minister for Agriculture Daniel Chongolo said the country’s food security position remains strong following a good harvest season. He said harvests increased by more than 10 per cent compared with the previous agricultural year, leaving households and the country with substantial food stocks.
“Harvest yields across the country have increased by more than 10 per cent compared to the previous agricultural year, leaving households and the nation with a substantial surplus,” Mr Chongolo insisted.
The minister said lessons from previous El Niño cycles, during which agricultural production was affected by excessive rainfall and flooding, demonstrated the importance of early preparedness. He urged households with surplus grain to store it properly as a precaution against possible localised disruptions caused by extreme weather.
Mr Chongolo said the government has also strengthened the capacity of the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to increase strategic food stocks and storage capacity.
“Key strategic measures include increasing the storage scope through the NFRA to handle potential food deficits caused by climate variability and shifting weather seasons,” he said.
He added that the government is promoting climate-resilient farming by encouraging farmers to plant early-maturing and flood-tolerant crop varieties capable of withstanding heavy rainfall. The ministry is also working closely with the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) to provide farmers and the public with timely information on expected weather conditions.
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Following TMA advisories, farmers have been advised to prepare their fields early, adhere to recommended planting and weeding schedules and apply appropriate agricultural inputs on time. They have also been urged to reinforce farm infrastructure, harvest and conserve rainwater for use during dry spells and strengthen pest and disease control measures.
To minimise the effects of waterlogging, soil erosion and nutrient loss, farmers have been advised to adopt proper drainage systems and use certified seed varieties suitable for the Vuli season, guided by agricultural extension officers and weather forecasts. The government has deployed agricultural extension officers across districts to ensure information on preparedness measures reach farming communities.
“Officers through agricultural centres and extension networks nationwide have been deployed to educate farmers on early-warning measures, crop management and strategies to safeguard their produce against excess moisture,” Mr Chongolo said.
He said the government would continue monitoring the situation and working with farmers and other stakeholders to ensure the country remains food secure despite potential challenges posed by the upcoming rains.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam recently, TMA Director-General Dr Ladislaus Chang’a advised the livestock keepers to remain vigilant against diseases, including Rift Valley fever and foot-and-mouth disease, despite expectations of adequate pasture.
Fisheries and seaweed farmers were also advised to take precautions. Seaweed farmers, in particular, were encouraged to cultivate in deeper waters to minimise the effects of reduced salinity resulting from heavy rainfall.
He also urged local government authorities to improve drainage systems to minimise flooding, while disaster-management committees at regional, district, ward and village levels should prepare contingency plans.
