A JOINT procurement committee on cashew inputs has signed a 375.5bn/- deal with local bidders to purchase and supply agricultural inputs to cashew growers in the country as from 2023/2024 farming season.
The contract was signed over the weekend here before Mtwara Regional Commissioner Colonel Ahmed Abbas accompanied by other regional leaders.
Under the contract bidders will be required to purchase and supply the farm inputs to all cashew growers in the country before 30th March 2024.
“I call upon the companies that have secured the tenders to ensure the agreements are realised as per the contract, especially by ensuring the required farm inputs are purchased and distributed to farmers before March 30, 2024,” said Col Abbas.
Tanzania is one among the major cashew producing countries in Africa. Major cashew growing area in Tanzania includes Mtwara, Lindi, Ruvuma and Tanga.
Among these regions, Mtwara and Lindi regions contribute more than 87 per cent to the national cashew production.
The Mtwara RC directed the committee and Cashew nut Board of Tanzania (CTB) to closely monitor and ensure effective management of the clause on the implementation agreements.
He directed the committee and board to put in place stiff measures against bidders that will breach the contract.
“Most bidders have tendencies of giving lame excuses whenever they fail to perform as per agreements. I strictly warn CBT and the committee not to entertain any bidder who would breach the agreement.
“There should be no discussion on breach of the contracts, the agreements made today should be implemented as required and any bidder, who would fail to deliver as per agreements should be dismissed immediately.”
In a related development, Col. Abbas directed CBT to form a special committee that would closely monitor the implementation of the deal, adding that the government would not tolerate any delay of purchasing and supplying the inputs to farmers.
On his part, the committee Chairman, Mohammed Nassor said through the contract the government is set to buy 70,000 tonnes of sulphur dust and several types of agricultural pesticides to control diseases and increase crop yields.
His list also included 6,700,000 cashew packaging bags and 6,500 agricultural spray pipes.
Speaking recently, CBT Acting Director General Mr Alfred Francis said the government has put in place a number of interventions including issuing subsidies for agricultural inputs to increase cashew production to 700,000 tonnes by 2025/2026.
Other interventions include widening the scope of regions cultivating cashew nuts from the traditional 17 as well as facilitating farmers with the support of Extension Officers, and distributing improved seedlings to all cashew farmers in the cashew based regions.
