Mwinyi calls for new plans to guarantee food security

ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi

ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has called for new plans that will assure increase in food production, boost storage capacity and reduce cost of living.

According to him, food security remains one of the main concerns for most countries around the globe and a challenge in developing countries including Tanzania.

“Rigorous planning in addressing the current challenges is vital to our efforts to improve food security and guarantee a bright future, especially in the milling sector,” Dr Mwinyi said.

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The President was officiating at the opening of the 32nd annual conference for International Association of Operative Millers -Middle East & Africa (IAOM-MEA) and Exhibition held here yesterday.

He pointed out that Zanzibar government strives to encourage sustainable agricultural development and support milling and food industries.

Dr Mwinyi, however, noted that climate change has been affecting the agriculture sector around the world, causing widespread disruptions to food availability, accessibility and quality.

“The disruption in the food- supply chain has been among the contributing factors of the soaring inflation around the world,” he added.

Russia and Ukraine are major players in the export of wheat, sunflower, and fertiliser to Africa and the Middle East, and a shortage of fertiliser will lead to rising food prices, with knock-on effects for agricultural production and food security.

Dr Mwinyi said the war has adversely affected food supply chains, with significant effects on production, sourcing, processing, logistics, and significant shifts in demand between nations reliant on imports from Russia and Ukraine.

“I reiterate the firm commitment of my government to strengthen cooperation with milling industries with the aim of enhancing food security in our respective countries. We are ready to implement the resolutions that will be drawn from this conference,” Dr Mwinyi said.

The Isles President further expressed gratitude to Bakhresa Group of Companies for working closely with the government and other governments in the East African region in developing milling industries, as the company has built ultra- modern mills, silos and other logistic facilities in different countries in East Africa and beyond.

He said that Bakhresa Group of Companies has made enormous contributions to improving food security, propelling economic growth and stimulating job creations, “It is not alone in this endeavour, I also extend my appreciation to all those milling companies who operate across Africa and the Middle East.”

“Knowing your eagerness and readiness to embark on new investment and business ventures, I would also like to take this opportunity to invite all of you to invest in Zanzibar.  We have many attractive investment opportunities in different sectors which guarantee handsome financial returns,” Dr Mwinyi wooed.

Zanzibar Minister for Trade, Industrial Development Mr Omar Said Shaaban said that the IAOM conference is being held at the time when the government is focusing on creating opportunities and improving investment environment.

Earlier, Managing Director of ‘Bakhresa Milling’ Mr Mounir Bakhresa thanked the government for the great cooperation it provides, while noting the great benefit that will be gained as the conference goes in line with the implementation of the government’s strategies to increase production amid food challenges.

The IAOM is an international organisation of flour millers, cereal grain and seed processors and allied trades representatives and companies devoted to the advancement of technology in the flour milling, cereal grain and seed processing industries. Among its members, IAOM promotes a spirit of fellowship and cooperation.

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