Joseph Isangura
The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) has announced its intention to procure crops from farmers and store them using digital systems.
This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer of NFRA, Dr. Andrew Komba, following a brief signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA), the Cereals and Mixed Crops Board (CPB), and the World Food Programme (WFP) held in Dodoma. The event was witnessed by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe (MP).
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Dr. Komba further stated that part of the agreement in the memorandum includes the purchase of maize from NFRA and CPB, scheduled to commence between July 15th and 20th, 2024.
He elaborated that the contract, valued at 22 million US dollars, would involve the procurement of 60,000 metric tons of maize from farmers. This initiative aims to address market challenges and ensure fair prices for farmers, as the government will announce the purchasing price for these crops.
Additionally, Dr. Komba mentioned that in 2024, NFRA, in collaboration with WFP, would expand its procurement centers to reach more farmers efficiently and within shorter distances.
On her part, the WFP Representative, Ms. Sarah Gordon-Gibson, expressed gratitude to the Tanzanian government for continued collaboration with WFP in advancing the agriculture sector.
Ms. Gordon-Gibson highlighted that between 2011 and 2023, WFP had purchased over 223,000 metric tons of maize and 4,000 metric tons of sorghum from NFRA, totaling over 60 million US dollars.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Obadia Nyagiro, the Vice-Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Industries, Trade, Agriculture, and Livestock, Hon. Mariam Ditopile Mzuzuri (MP), Members of the Parliamentary Committee, and the Director-General of CPB, Mr. Patrick Mongella.
The collaboration between NFRA, CPB, and WFP signals a concerted effort to enhance food security, support farmers, and strengthen the agricultural sector in Tanzania.
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