In
a bold move set to revolutionize the agricultural market in Tanzania, President
Samia Suluhu Hassan has approved the Ministry of Agriculture's proposal to
increase the price of rice from Sh 500 to Sh 900 per kilogram.
This announcement, made during her address to
the residents of Ifakara in Morogoro on Monday, August 6, 2024, forms part of
her six-day tour of the region.
The
decision to increase the price of rice has been welcomed with enthusiasm by
farmers, who believe it will address market challenges and ensure they receive
fair compensation for their efforts.
The new price policy, recommended by
Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe, aims to eliminate the exploitative
practices of middlemen who often suppress farmers' earnings.
In
addition to the price hike, President Samia has directed the government to
purchase rice directly from farmers through the National Food Reserve Agency
(NFRA). This strategy is designed to protect farmers from unscrupulous
intermediaries and ensure they benefit directly from their produce.
Wilbard
Olomi, Manager of the Uwawakuda Smallholder Irrigation Farmers’ Cooperative,
praised the government's decision, stating that the price increase will
significantly improve farmers' livelihoods.
"The
Sh400 increase from the previous price is substantial and will help us avoid
middlemen," Olomi said. He emphasized that government procurement of rice
will guarantee a stable market for small-scale farmers.
Dr.
Jerome Mghase, Manager of the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)
Dakawa Center, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the price increase
presents a tremendous opportunity for farmers.
"With the new price, a bag of rice
previously sold for Sh70,000 will now fetch Sh90,000," Dr. Mghase
explained. This increase will benefit both farmers and traders, ensuring fair
compensation and profitability.
President
Samia also addressed the issue of unethical practices among local leaders,
urging them to refrain from exploiting farmers.
"We have appointed leaders at various
levels to assist the public. Engaging in business practices that exploit
farmers' efforts is unjust," she declared, pointing out that some leaders
have been reported to partake in such exploitative practices.
Minister
Bashe, during the same event, supported the price hike proposal, emphasizing
its importance in protecting farmers from middlemen. He also raised concerns
about the establishment of new villages for political gain, which often leads
to encroachments on protected areas.
President
Samia condemned the politically motivated creation of new villages, which she
said frequently occurs during election periods.
These
actions, she noted, result in illegal settlements in conservation areas, later
defended by the same politicians who initiated them. "Such practices are
illegal and jeopardize our land conservation efforts," she stated.
In
another directive, President Samia urged the Minister of Natural Resources and
Tourism, Angela Kairuki, to safeguard protected areas and prevent unauthorized
settlements. "It is unfair for people to establish permanent residences in
conservation areas, only to be evicted later," she emphasized.
Addressing
concerns about compensation for residents affected by development projects,
President Samia called for patience, assuring that the government would handle
compensation after the completion of such projects.
She
noted that delays in compensation often hinder project implementation.
"Let us complete these projects for the benefit of many; compensation will
follow," she assured.
In
response to grievances about funds being misused in Kilombero District, the
Minister of State in the President's Office for Regional Administration and
Local Government, Mohamed Mchengerwa, has ordered an investigation.
Residents
of Namawala Village have alleged that contributions intended for the
construction of public facilities were diverted to build the village chairman's
house.
Mchengerwa
has tasked District Commissioner Dunstan Kyobya with conducting the
investigation and submitting a report within two weeks.
Additionally,
Mchengerwa announced plans to meet with regional leaders to address taxation
issues, aiming to find amicable solutions that benefit all stakeholders.
This
sweeping set of decisions and directives by President Samia and her
administration marks a significant step towards empowering Tanzanian farmers,
ensuring fair trade practices, and addressing local governance challenges.
The increase in rice prices, coupled with the
direct government procurement strategy, promises a more prosperous and
equitable future for the country's agricultural sector.