TADB disburses 253bn/- to boost food security
THE Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) Limited has injected 253bn/- into improving food security in the country.
TADB Northern Zone Manager, Mr Yodas Mwanakatwe said here on Tuesday that the fund was aimed at improving the food value chain in Tanzania.
Mr Mwanakatwe who was speaking during World Food Day marked at the World Vegetable Centre here, rallied farmers to capitalise on the loan disbursed by the bank, saying it will help promote food security and reduce the poverty by helping the youths and women earn income.
According to the TADB Zonal Manager, the funding will be channelled through existing and new projects in sectors including farm inputs, food production and distribution, social protection and irrigation.
“TADB remains committed to enhancing food security and this signifies another gesture of offering farmers alternative agricultural solutions,” explained the TADB Zonal Manager.
Mr Mwanakatwe insisted that the bank will remain a catalyst for the delivery of short, medium and long-term credit facilities for the development of agriculture in Tanzania.
For her part, the Regional Nutrition Officer Rose Mauya urged district councils to allocate more funds to reduce the stunting rate in the region.
“Such events not only bring farmers together but also provide knowledge on farming and nutrition which remains a major challenge to our region,” she observed.
Ms Mauya equally commended TADB and the World Vegetable Centre for hosting food exhibition and training for farmers, saying it was an ideal way of assuring food security in the country.
A Vegetable Breeder at the World Vegetable Center, Dr Fekadu Fufa Dinssa said both, the global climate crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic reduced the quality and quantity of crops resulting in increased food and financial insecurities leading to malnutrition.
He urged farmers to produce more vegetables which he said provide mineral nutrients that are vital for good health and are important in fighting malnutrition.
