Crop exports soar as farmers earn 4.9tri/-
DODOMA: TANZANIAN farmers have earned a total of 4.9tri/- over the past four years through the export of 654,928.06 tonnes of crops under the Warehouse Receipt Regulatory Board (WRRB).
This was revealed in Dodoma yesterday by Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, while outlining the achievements recorded under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership.
According to Dr Jafo, the exported crops included sesame, cocoa, honey, beans, cassava, green grams, cowpeas, garlic, maize, paddy, pigeon peas, cashew nuts, tea, rice, soybeans and coffee.
In addition to increasing farmers’ incomes, a total of 6,983 jobs were created during the same period, according to Minister four-year report.
Dr Jafo noted that the ministry, through the WRRB, has continued to encourage farmers to adopt the warehouse receipt system.
Over the last four years, the number of crops covered under this system grew from 11 to 16.
He attributed the improved crop export performance to a better business environment fostered under President Samia’s administration.
“Over the past four years, the ministry, through Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), coordinated Tanzania’s participation in various trade promotion events both locally and internationally,” he added.
These events included the 45th to 48th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fairs (DITF), Industrial Products Exhibitions, Expo 2020 Dubai, and the International Horticulture and Fruit Expo 2020 in Doha.
Through such platforms, a total of 20,484 companies from Tanzania and abroad participated. Instant sales worth 13.993bn/- were recorded at the events.
He said a total of 46 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) valued at 17.52tri/- were signed between local and international companies.
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The agreements spanned sectors such as transport, mining, ports, industry, energy, agriculture, tourism, technology and health.
“The implementation of these agreements has supported job creation, business expansion and overall economic growth,” Dr Jafo noted.
He further said that, as of February this year, a total of 367 markets had been constructed or upgraded nationwide through joint efforts by the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups and the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG). This initiative has enabled 136,041 small-scale traders to operate in more conducive business environments.
Key markets upgraded or constructed include Kigogo Fresh, Simu 2000, Mabibo Gamit, Mbezi Luis, Mbezi Njia ya Goba, Buza, TAZARA, Mbande, and Bunju B in Dar es Salaam; Old Airport in Mbeya; Tunduma in Songwe; Machinga Complex in Dodoma; Engutoto in Arusha; Mchafukoge in Mwanza; Fire in Morogoro; and Kange in Tanga.
“These achievements affirm the commitment of the sixth phase government to strengthening the economy and industrial sector, ultimately improving the livelihoods of Tanzanians,” he said.
Dr Jafo stressed the importance of continued collaboration between the government, private sector, and other stakeholders in promoting trade and industrial growth.
“Together, we can realise Tanzania’s National Vision 2025 and build a better future for all,” he concluded.
