Tanzania Pledges Increased Maize Purchase, Competitive Prices To Aid Farmers

News in Brief: - The Tanzanian government plans to significantly increase its purchase of maize from farmers in the next season, offering competitive prices to help them cope with recent financial difficulties caused by low crop prices. - This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure a stable market for maize growers and aligns with Tanzania's National Agricultural Policy. Tanzania's Ministry of Agriculture has announced plans to significantly increase its purchase of maize from farmers in the coming financial year. This move is intended to alleviate the financial strain on maize growers who have been facing low prices for their crops. Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde made the commitment during a parliamentary session, promising competitive prices for maize purchased by the government in the new farming season. This aims to address the recent decline in maize prices, which has threatened the livelihoods of many Tanzanian farmers. Although the specific details of the government's maize purchase plan haven't been revealed, Mr. Silinde confirmed they intend to more than double their current acquisition target. In the previous financial year, the government purchased around 300,000 tonnes of maize. The new plan suggests a potential purchase exceeding 700,000 tonnes. Meanwhile the increased purchase plan is expected to be part of a wider strategy to ensure a reliable market for Tanzanian maize farmers. Additional measures may include connecting farmers with processors and manufacturers of flour and animal feed. Effectively, this focus on market stability is in tandem with Tanzania's National Agricultural Policy, which prioritises food security and economic growth through agricultural development.