All smiles for rice growers in Tanzania

• Samia approves price hike from 570/- to 900/- per kilo

MOROGORO: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has approved an increase in the price of paddy rice from 570/- to 900/- per kilogramme, bringing much relief to farmers.

The Head of State also directed the Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA), to purchase paddy rice at the new price.

The move will significantly combat exploitation by crop traders.

The decision follows a recommendation from the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Hussein Bashe, who had submitted proposals to Dr Samia to approve price rise for the benefit of farmers engaged in cultivation of the crop at Kilombero Basin.

The president announced the approval of the proposal during a public meeting at the Ifakara CCM grounds, part of her working visit to the Morogoro Region.

“I have reviewed the price proposal and agree with the new rate of 900/- per kilogramme. The increase from 570/- to 900/- per kilogramme represents a significant step forward for our farmers,” Dr Samia stated.

Dr Samia expressed concern over the recent decline in rice prices, which has led to significant losses for farmers.

“Farmers invest substantial time and effort into their work and any actions that undermine their ability to profit are unacceptable,” she stated.

The president highlighted that the drop in rice prices has been exacerbated by some government leaders engaging in unethical practices, such as hoarding rice and buying crops at lower prices only to resell them at higher rates.

She emphasised that if government officials choose to engage in business, they must adhere to the regulated market price to ensure that farmers receive a fair and profitable price.

Morogoro is one of Tanzania’s leading rice-producing regions and Dr Samia’s measures aim to support the local farmers and stabilise the market for the commodity, which is among the staple foods in the country.

In related news, Minister Bashe assured sugarcane out growers that the government will address ongoing contractual issues with factories, including disputes over sucrose level testing in sugarcane.

He noted that most of the issues in the existing contracts with Kilombero Basin sugarcane farmers and Kilombero Sugar Company have been resolved, with efforts continuing to address the remaining challenges.

“Two years ago, I met with sugarcane farmers who were concerned about contract issues with sugar factories. The ministry has addressed many of these problems and continues to work on the remaining issues,” Mr Bashe said.

“We have agreed with Kilombero Sugar Company to involve farmers in the sucrose testing process, to ensure they receive fair compensation.”

The ministry has also instructed the Tanzania Agriculture Research Institute (TARI) and the Sugar Board of Tanzania (SBT) to provide experts to verify sucrose level tests at the factories.

Furthermore, Mr Bashe assured Kilombero farmers that the government will ensure all sugarcane, including last year’s production, is harvested and sold at prices ranging from 100,000/- to 108,000/- per tonne.

Additionally, Mr Bashe announced that a contractor has been assigned to conduct a feasibility study of 57,000 hectares in the Kilombero Basin.

By November, the contractor is expected to complete the study, leading to tenders for five lots of 10,000 hectares each, with the development of two large dams and flood banks.

On his part, Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, emphasised that the expansion of Kilombero Sugar Factory will boost productivity for sugarcane farmers and create employment opportunities for Morogoro residents.

He also highlighted the government’s efforts to revive Mang’ula Mechanical and Machine Tools Limited to maintain job opportunities and stimulate the local economy.

Speaking at the same event, Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso addressed the current water needs of Ifakara, stating that the government has allocated 42bn/- for the Kiburubutu water project, which will produce 20 million litres.

ALSO READ: Tanzania out to contain sugar gap

This project, expected to be completed before the next general election, will surpass the government’s target of 85 per cent water availability, reaching over 100 per cent, he said.

Minister for Works, Innocent Bashungwa, reported progress on infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Great Ruaha Bridge (133 metres) and the Mikumi-Ifakara road (66.9 km), costing 157bn/-.

These developments mark the beginning of new road construction to connect Ifakara with Njombe Region.

Minister of State, President’s Office-Regional Administrations and Local Governments (PO-RALG), Mohamed Mchengerwa, noted that under President Samia’s leadership, significant economic and social reforms have been implemented through substantial investments in Local Government Authorities (LGAs).

He highlighted Ifakara’s benefits from these strategic projects, including infrastructure improvements and urban development.