Nanenane awards give spotlight to COPRA services

DODOMA: THE Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) has said the two awards it won at this year’s National Nanenane Agricultural Exhibitions will inspire it to further improve service delivery, strengthen agricultural markets, formalise agribusinesses and enhance the competitiveness of Tanzanian produce in domestic, regional and international markets.

In a statement issued yesterday, the authority said the recognition reinforces its efforts to support implementation of the National Development Vision 2050 through improved regulation and market development.

At the National Nanenane Exhibition in Dodoma, COPRA emerged third in the category of Government Agencies, Authorities and Commissions providing production and public services. It also secured third place in the category of Management and Regulatory Institutions at the Lake Zone Nanenane Exhibition.

The authority said the awards reflect its continued efforts to use the annual exhibition as a platform to educate stakeholders, provide regulatory services and promote awareness on the production, quality, marketing and trade of cereals and other agricultural produce.

Throughout the eight-day exhibition, COPRA organised seminars on the Avocado Crop Management Regulations, Contract Farming Regulations and Quality Control and Standards Regulations to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing the sector.

The authority also marked Cocoa Day, during which stakeholders explored opportunities in the domestic cocoa market, value addition and youth participation in cocoa processing, including the production of chocolate, cocoa butter and cosmetic products.

In another initiative, COPRA hosted an Agribusiness Influencers Day, bringing together digital content creators, industry experts and the authority’s leadership to discuss agricultural production, regulatory compliance, business formalisation, market systems and the COPRA Management Information System (MIS).

The programme aimed to equip participants with accurate information to promote the sector through digital platforms.

Visitors also took part in practical demonstrations on value addition for legumes, including food tasting sessions showcasing various recipes and processing techniques.

As part of efforts to strengthen regional trade, COPRA held discussions with leaders and stakeholders from Tanzania and neighbouring countries, including officials from South Sudan, on agricultural produce trade, regional market opportunities and the use of digital systems to facilitate commerce.

This year’s Nanenane exhibitions were held under the theme: “Identify Markets; Increase Productivity to Implement Vision 2050.”