Tanzania Has A Sufficient Grain Production And Currently NFRA Holds A Stockpile Of Over 500,000 Tonnes Of Maize
LILONGWE. TANZANIA and Malawi have continued to strengthen bilateral commercial cooperation in the grain sector, following discussions between the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) and the government of Malawi.
The timely discussions that targeted to heighten grain trade and enhance food security between the two countries was held recently in Lilongwe, Malawi by attracting private sector traders.
The crucial discussions surfaced during a special visit by a Tanzanian delegation to the neighbouring country, led by the Deputy Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry Of Agriculture, Dr. Stephen Nindi.
During his talks with the Secretary General of Malawi’s ministry of agriculture, Ms. Erica Maganga, both parties delved on key discussions over possible opportunities for strengthening cooperations in grain crops, especially maize, being part of efforts to address food shortages exacerbated by climate change.
Dr. Nindi revealed that Tanzania has sufficient grain production and currently NFRA holds a stockpile of over 500,000 tonnes of maize.
“Tanzania and Malawi are neighboring brotherly countries and thus, we are ready to collaborate with Malawi in any case of food emergencies, our doors are widely open for you to come to Tanzania and purchase maize,” Dr. Nindi expressed.
On her part, Ms Maganga, the Malawian’s Ministry of Agricultural Secretary General, commended the Tanzanian government through NFRA for its grain storage system that adheres to quality standards.
She expressed Malawi’s confidence in maize imported from Tanzania and the intention to further develop commercial cooperation between the two countries.
During another part of the visit, the Tanzanian NFRA delegation held discussions with the leadership of Malawi’s National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA Malawi), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr.George Macheka.
They discussed the implementation of maize trade and strengthening collaborative systems between the two agencies.
The two sides recalled their previous cooperation background, where Malawi purchased over 10,000 tonnes of maize from Tanzania, a move that contributed to strengthening food security in Malawi.
Additionally, the Tanzanian delegation met with the Grain Traders and Processors Association of Malawi (GTPA), led by its Chairperson, Ms. Grace Mhango.
The meeting, among others was tailored to discuss the implementation of a prior Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on grain trade between NFRA and private sector traders in Malawi.
And during the meeting, Malawian traders inquired about the measures NFRA takes to control aflatoxin contamination.
In response, NFRA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Andrew Komba said the agency has established rigorous quality control systems, including drying maize to acceptable standards, employing modern storage technologies, and testing grains before they enter the market.
Adding his voice pertaining to the county’s efforts on food quality control system, Dr. Nindi noted that the government of Tanzania has prioritized aflatoxin control nationally and continues to implement strategies to reduce contamination in grains by educating farmers on mitigation techniques.
“Apart from that, the Sixth Phase Government is in the process of establishing a Smart Mtanana Center in Dodoma to tackle this challenge,” he added.
During the discussions, GTPA leaders requested the government of Tanzanian to consider the possibility of purchasing soybean seeds from Malawi, noting that Malawi is among the major producers of this crop in the region.
They also highlighted the challenges upsetting the grain trade, including foreign currency shortages, price fluctuations, and payment systems.
Nevertheless, they expressed their willingness to continue business with Tanzania, emphasizing the long-standing commercial relations between the two neighboring countries.
During the visit, the Tanzanian delegation was accompanied by NFRA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andrew Komba, NFRA Advisory Board member, Mr. Robinson Meitinyiku, and the Tanzanian Ambassador to Malawi, Agnes Kayola.
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