NFRA to purchase 1.7 million tonnes of grain for domestic, export markets

DODOMA: THE National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) plans to purchase 1,750,000 tonnes of various grains from local farmers for both domestic and international markets.

NFRA has already signed contracts to export 1,150,000 tonnes to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, with the remaining quantities allocated for the domestic market.

Speaking to journalists in Dodoma, NFRA Director General Dr Andrew Komba said 650,000 tonnes of maize have already started being transported to Zambia since last week, after the completion of payment.

He also mentioned that an additional 500,000 tonnes have been purchased by the government of the DRC for Katanga province.

Furthermore, Dr Komba revealed that NFRA was also fulfilling a contract to supply grain to the World Food Programme (WFP), which will be sent to Malawi.

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According to him, WFP has requested to purchase 100,000 tonnes of grain and has signed an initial contract for 35,000 tonnes to begin with.

“This demonstrates a significant demand for grain this year, both domestically and internationally and we are wellprepared to meet this market need,” Dr Komba noted.

In another development, NFRA plans to purchase approximately 600,000 tonnes of maize and rice from farmers as part of its strategy to maintain food reserves in the country.

Of these, 500,000 tonnes will be maize and the remaining 100,000 tonnes will be rice.

He explained that this grain purchase was intended to ensure food security in the country.

“The goal is to ensure the country has adequate food reserves,” he said.

“Additionally, these grains will be available for sale to the public when needed,” he concluded