SAGCOT: Tanzania’s avocado wins international market

DODOMA: THE Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) has noted that the avocado grown in Tanzania has quality and value needed in the international market.

Executive Director of the SAGCOT, Mr Geofrey Kirenga, made the statement on Wednesday this week when speaking at the ongoing Nanenane exhibitions in the capital city of Dodoma.

Mr Kirenga pointed out that currently the exported avocado is largely grown in the regions of Iringa, Njombe, Ruvuma, Kigoma, Morogoro, Rukwa, Arusha and Sumbawanga.

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“We have started adding value to the avocado by making cooking oil from this crop. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been doing great job of marketing the country outside. The farmers use this opportunity for producing and selling the produce within and outside the country,” he stated.

He said at the ongoing exhibitions the avocado booth has brought together visitors from different countries, including Tanzania, Finland and South Africa.

“The important thing is that here at the pavilion we have players in the whole value chain of the avocado ranging from farmers, buyers and exporters,” he said.

On his part, Executive Director of the Nzalakado Company, Mr Nzalawahe Twahir said they use avocado as raw material to produce oil, calling on Tanzanians, who wish to learn how to process the avocado, to grab the opportunity.

He noted that their company operates in nine regions of Ruvuma, Njombe, Mbeya, Rukwa, Kigoma, Morogoro and Dodoma.

Commenting. Marketing officer of the AFRIFARM, Lipita Mtimila said they look forward to seeing this crop contribute more to the economy because it is a ‘green gold’.

Giving her remark, Sales Officer from the Air Tanzania Company Ltd, Ms Loy Kusenha, pointed out that the company was offering affordable price for exporters of different crops, including avocado, to various countries.