Tanzania losing 30% cent of food cereals from poor farming techniques
Tanzania is losing 30% of itds cereasl for food due to various challenges including farmers not using better farming methods as called by experts.
Marketing Manager of A to Z Factory here Julius Nyabicha told this paper early this week that the loss could translate to two million tonnes due to farmers planting poor quality seeds that do not meet standards for better farming methods.
He said Tanzania that is estimated to produce six million tonnes of maize per season is depended upon by other neighbouring countries for food such as Kenya, could save the 30 percent loss and ensure food security for the entire region.
“Tanzania is endowed with big land area that is fertile, adequate rainfall, including water from its rivers and lakes for irrigation, hence I believe that if better farming methods are used including better cereals storage we will satisfy our own food needs and others in need,” he said.
He said 71 percent of the population depends in agriculture and 85 percent are small farmers while 25 percent only are big farmers who if well supervised could ensure for themselves enough income from commercial agriculture.
He said the A to Z factory has devised a technology to manufacture special bags that do not use chemicals for cereals preservation against pests with a capacity of 100 kgs that can be used up to three times per season.
He said apart from pest-proof bags manufactured by his factory, they have also devised many other technologies and used by over 10 countries, including Mozambique, Ethiopia, Somalia, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Congo DRC.
