TANZANIA – The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) has announced plans to purchase 1.75 million tonnes of various grains from local farmers, targeting both domestic and regional markets.
This initiative comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to bolster agricultural productivity and enhance food security across the region.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Andrew Komba, NFRA Director General, highlighted the agency’s expanded role in supporting the agricultural sector.
He noted that government funding for agriculture has increased significantly, from US$110 million in 2022 to over US$470 million in 2024.
“This increase is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to fostering agribusiness, curbing post-harvest losses, and boosting regional trade in agricultural products,” Dr. Komba stated.
On the domestic front, NFRA plans to purchase up to 600,000 tonnes of maize and rice from local farmers.
The breakdown includes 500,000 tonnes of maize and 100,000 tonnes of rice, which will be used to maintain substantial food reserves.
This strategic stockpiling is intended to act as a buffer against potential shortages, ensuring that the country remains well-equipped to meet its food security needs.
The grains procured will be available for sale to the public when necessary, providing an additional safeguard against food scarcity.
As part of its regional trade efforts, NFRA has already signed contracts to export 1.15 million tonnes of grain to neighboring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. Dr. Komba confirmed that 650,000 tonnes of maize are currently being transported to Zambia, following the completion of payment arrangements.
Additionally, the DRC authorities have purchased 500,000 tonnes of maize for the Katanga Province, located in the southeast of the country.
In a further expansion of its regional operations, NFRA is also engaged in a contract with the World Food Programme (WFP) to supply grain to Malawi. The UN food relief agency has requested 100,000 tonnes of grain, with an initial contract for 35,000 tonnes already in place.
Dr. Komba emphasized that these contracts reflect the significant demand for grain both domestically and regionally this year. “The agency is well-prepared to meet the current market demand for grain,” he asserted.
The NFRA’s proactive approach is expected to positively impact the agricultural sector, encouraging further investment in agribusiness and strengthening the region’s food security.
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