WMA moves to protect Tanzanian farmers with accurate weighing instruments for agricultural value chain

DODOMA: THE Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting farmers by ensuring the accuracy of weighing and measuring instruments used throughout the agricultural value chain.

Speaking during the ongoing Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition in Dodoma, WMA Director of Business Support Services, Christopher Mwakibinga, said accurate measurements are essential in ensuring farmers receive the true value of their produce.

He said the agency’s work is directly linked to the agricultural value chain, ranging from irrigation and production to processing and marketing of agricultural commodities.

“We are an institution that cares about farmers. Our work is directly connected to the value chain of agricultural production,” Mr Mwakibinga said.

He explained that WMA verifies water meters used in modern irrigation systems, as well as electricity meters used by industries processing agricultural products, in order to protect both consumers and businesses.

The agency also verifies weighing scales used in trading strategic crops, including cashew nuts, cotton and tobacco, to ensure farmers are paid according to the actual quantity of produce supplied.

Mr Mwakibinga said the agency was particularly focused on protecting smallholder farmers, who can be vulnerable to unfair trading practices when using inaccurate or unverified weighing equipment.

“We ensure that farmers, especially smallholder farmers, use verified weighing scales,” he said.

He added that WMA had continued to discourage the use of lumbesa( overweight) , a practice in which agricultural produce is packed or weighed in a manner that can disadvantage farmers.

According to him, strengthening measurement standards across the agricultural value chain contributes to increased productivity, fair trade and improved returns for farmers.

He said the agency’s efforts were also aligned with the theme of this year’s Nanenane celebrations, “Recognise the Market, Increase Productivity, Implement the 2050 Vision.”

Mr Mwakibinga urged farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector to make use of verified weighing and measuring instruments to promote fairness and transparency in agricultural trade.