Tea Board, stakeholders explore means to improve productivity using clean energy
DODOMA: THE Tea Board of Tanzania has held a meeting with tea factory processors and large-scale tea growers in the country with the aim of strengthening production, enhancing competitiveness, and improving the welfare of farmers and the general public.
The meeting, chaired by the Director General of the Tanzania Tea Board, Beatrice Banzi, brought together key sector stakeholders, including RBTC, BPTL, SHF, UWL, EUTCO, KTCL, WTC, MHCL, and TAT with the main objective to exchange views, discuss existing challenges, and formulate joint strategies to drive sustainable growth of the tea sector in the country.
Among many other things, the stakeholders discussed various issues related to production costs, including challenges in accessing reliable electricity for tea factories.
Strong emphasis was also placed on the importance of promoting the use of clean and alternative energy as a strategy to reduce production costs, protect the environment, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the tea sector.
Additionally, the board stressed that the adoption of environmentally friendly clean energy is a key pillar in building a productive, competitive, and climate-resilient tea industry.
Moreover, the meeting underscored the need to strengthen the Green Leaf Pricing system by taking into account production zones, the state of infrastructure, and actual production costs.
During the meeting, stakeholders agreed to continue working closely with the government to improve the investment climate and access to financing for actors in the tea sector.
Speaking at the meeting, Banzi urged stakeholders to continue investing in tea quality, seize international market opportunities being sought by the Tanzania Tea Board, and intensify efforts to promote domestic tea consumption.
“These measures would contribute to increased employment, incomes, and improved livelihoods, while supporting overall national economic growth,” she said.
The efforts form part of the Tanzania Tea Board’s strategy to contribute to the implementation of the National Development Vision 2050, which aims to build a strong and resilient economy.
