Tanzania Encourages Maize Farmers to Explore Export Markets

Tanzanian authorities are encouraging maize farmers to explore markets in neighboring countries to sell their surplus produce. With an expected bumper harvest, the country anticipates a surplus exceeding the preliminary demand assessment for maize, estimated at over 1.2 million tonnes for export to neighboring nations.

The National Food Reserve Agency has announced plans to purchase cereals from farmers starting in July to capitalize on the expected bumper maize harvests from key growing areas in the south. The agency aims to buy maize, rice, and other food crops for storage and eventual sale in local and foreign markets.

Minister for Agriculture Hussein Bashe revealed that Tanzania expects to harvest 31.5 million tonnes of food crops, including over 10 million tonnes of maize in the upcoming season. The country produced 8.1 million tonnes of maize last year against a demand of 6 million tonnes, resulting in a surplus of 2.1 million tonnes for export.

Tanzania aims to export 500,000 tonnes of maize to the Democratic Republic of Congo and is working towards becoming a leading food producer in Africa. By expanding their reach to countries with maize shortages, Tanzanian traders can tap into new markets and boost the region’s food economy.