Farmers in Njombe and other maize-producing areas have been given a reprieve after the government raised the National Food Reserve Agency's (NFRA) buying price to TZS500 per kilogramme following complaints over low prices.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced the revised price on Saturday, November 14, 2026, saying the decision followed further discussions within the government to address farmers' concerns over the returns from their harvests.
He urged farmers who still have maize stocks to take advantage of the new price by selling their produce to NFRA.
“I convened another meeting and we have now agreed that the price should be TZS500,” he said.
The announcement came amid concerns over the market available to farmers who recorded good harvests but faced difficulties securing favourable prices for their produce.
Speaking during a public meeting at Njombe District Council grounds in Kidegembye, Lupembe Constituency, Dr Nchemba said the Ministry of Agriculture had raised concerns about large quantities of maize purchased during the previous season.
However, he said the government had to balance those concerns with the need to protect farmers who had produced substantial quantities of maize and needed reliable markets.
The revised price puts the focus on the government's role in ensuring that increased agricultural production translates into better returns for farmers.
Dr Nchemba also directed the government to accelerate the delivery of agricultural inputs to Njombe, warning against delays that could disrupt preparations for the next farming season.
He said early planning for the distribution of inputs and timely discussions on crop prices were essential to help farmers make informed decisions and avoid losses.
The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of Works to prioritise the Kibena–Kidegembye section of the Kibena–Lupembe–Madeke road when signing contracts for projects whose procurement procedures have been completed.
He said the approximately 42-kilometre section should be among the priorities once the government resumes signing contracts for the projects.
“As soon as we begin signing contracts for these projects that have been awaiting approval, this road project should be given priority,” he said.
Dr Nchemba further suggested that the contract could be signed in Lupembe, if possible, to allow residents to witness progress on a project they have waited for over a long period.
Responding to concerns raised by Lupembe MP Edwin Enosy Swalle, he said the delay was not a result of the legislator's failure to follow up on the project or negligence by government officials.
Rather, he said, the government had prioritised completing major strategic investments, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, before taking on additional financial commitments.
He explained that the government first had to settle payments to contractors whose projects had stalled and provide advance payments for projects with signed contracts to avoid accumulating interest-related claims.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Dr Charles Msonde, said procurement procedures for the 42-kilometre Kibena–Kidegembye section had been completed and a contractor had been identified.
Earlier, Dr Nchemba inaugurated the Njombe District Council administrative building, a Sh3.8 billion investment intended to improve the working environment for local government officials.
Council Executive Director William Mathew Makufwe said the government had spent TZS3.8 billion on construction, with a further TZS300 million allocated for furniture.
He said the facility accommodates offices for the executive director, council chairperson and heads of departments, as well as communication systems, security installations and other administrative facilities.
The Prime Minister also planted an avocado tree at the council premises.