By The Respondent Reporter
Missenyi District Commissioner, Retired Colonel Hamisi Maiga has called on farmers and cooperative leaders in Missenyi to prioritise quality and safeguard recent gains, following a strong performance in the district’s coffee sector.
Chairing a high-level meeting of Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) on April 28, 2026, Maiga warned against complacency as the new coffee season begins on May 1.
He stressed that better handling and processing standards will be key to securing higher returns, noting that “quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.”
At the same time, the Commissioner issued a firm warning against coffee smuggling, describing it as a serious threat to the district’s economic progress.
He confirmed that the Control task force is on alert to curb illegal trade, adding that early enforcement remains critical “a stitch in time saves nine.”
His remarks came as Missenyi District recorded a notable achievement in coffee production during the 2025/2026 season.
District Coffee Inspector Amon Lugeiyamu announced that the district collected and sold 2,543,940 kilograms of coffee through the auction system, surpassing the initial target of 2,300,000 kilograms.
Lugeiyamu attributed the success to sustained effort among farmers and cooperative societies, noting that the increased output also translated into improved earnings.
The district council collected 338,695,017 Tanzanian shillings from a 3 percent levy on each kilogram sold, underscoring the broader economic benefits tied to agricultural performance.
Several AMCOS emerged as top contributors to the district’s output, including Byamutura, Nsunga, Kilimilile, Kassambya and Kyaka.
Their performance highlights the continued importance of collective action in strengthening production and market access.
Looking ahead, farmers are entering the new season with cautious optimism following indicative prices released by the Tanzania Coffee Board on April 24, 2026.
Raw Robusta coffee is projected at 4,000 shillings per kilogram, while hard Arabica is estimated at 5,100 shillings per kilogram.
As Missenyi builds on this momentum, leaders are emphasising a balanced approach improving quality, enforcing regulations, and sustaining cooperation to ensure continued growth in one of the district’s most vital sectors.
