The government has been asked to take stern measures to protect poverty-stricken farmers against the post harvest losses which affect their living standard and the national economy as well.
Tanzania Markets Policy action node (T-PAN) member Solomon Baregu made the plea in Dodoma on Tuesday during the presentations on the post harvesting losses study, that sought to improve drafted policy brief on (PHL) before it is finalised for distribution. Mr Solomon Baregu said post harvest losses of cereals in Tanzania now has reached over 15 per cent, making it inevitable for the government and stakeholders to take stern measures to revert the situation.
The Rural Livelihood Development Company (RLDC) coordinated the event under the auspices of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). The study was carried out in the year 2011 in the country’s four districts – Mpwapwa in Dodoma, Kilosa and Kilombero in Morogoro and Mbarali in Mbeya Region.
In the study it was found that post harvest losses for maize was 15.5 per cent compared to 12 per cent four years ago, while for paddy and sorghum the losses stand at 10.7 and 12.5 per cent, respectively. The study further revealed there is inadequate government intervention in the pricing mechanism resulting from poor performance of the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) due to limited resources.
There are no incentives for investing in or importing post harvest technology since it is not included in zero-tax rate zone for agriculture unless a large investor. Baregu decried poor engagement of the private sector in the post harvest losses, particularly in the construction of warehouses. Tanzania has a total of 1,260 warehouses which are too few compared to actual demand from approximately 11,000 villages.
Moreover, most of them are inaccessible or dilapidated beyond repair. Speaking at the event, Meatu Member of Parliament, Meshack Opulukwa, said small scale farmers have been abandoned by all stakeholders, with more attention directed to consumers leaving small scale farmers without help.
Source Tanzania Daily News
