NFRA moves half-trillion shillings in stock rotation

DAR ES SALAAM: THE National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) is undertaking its annual stock rotation programme, moving some half a trillion shillings worth of grains across the country.

The exercise aims to maintain food quality, manage storage capacity and ensure a steady supply for domestic needs. The Agency is set to sell 534,000 tonnes of high-quality grain from its national reserves under this year’s annual stock rotation programme.

This will include 500,000 tonnes of white maize, priced from 850,000/- per tonne depending on region and purchase volume and 34,000 tonnes of paddy rice at 1.1m/- per tonne. NFRA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andrew Komba told the ‘Daily News’ on Thursday that the exercise is part of the agency’s core mandate to maintain strategic food reserves and stabilise the grain market.

“Our goal is not only to safeguard national food security but also to ensure that our reserves remain fresh and ready for any future emergencies. “This annual rotation gives us an opportunity to sell quality produce to buyers while replenishing our stocks efficiently,” said Dr Komba.

The grains will be available from NFRA’s strategic warehouses located across the country, including Arusha, Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Sumbawanga, Makambako, Songwe, Shinyanga, Songea and Mpanda.

Providing an update on the agency’s stock levels, Dr Komba said NFRA currently holds 604,000 tonnes of grain and is in the process of purchasing an additional 200,000 tonnes, which will bring total reserves to about 800,000 tonnes, a level that meets national requirements and allows for a surplus of 500,000 tonnes available for sale.

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“Last year, we reached 784,000 tonnes and this year we aim to exceed 800,000 tonnes. The ongoing sales and purchases will keep our stocks within the desired range while supporting national food security,” he added.

Dr Komba said this year’s sale represents a notable increase in both volume and coverage compared to previous years, reflecting the growing demand for reliable grain supplies within the country and neighbouring countries.

“We have expanded our outreach to regional and international buyers to strengthen agricultural trade and create more opportunities for local millers and traders,” he said.

NFRA invited all interested stakeholders, including local processors, traders and exporters to participate in the sale. Through this initiative, NFRA aims to maintain adequate national food reserves while pursuing commercial opportunities, thereby reinforcing Tanzania’s position as a dependable grain supplier in the region.