Posted on January, 19, 2021 at 09:52 am
Plummeting prices for rice has affected some of the rice farmers in Mbarali District and Mbeya Distsrict, the situation that has denied them funds needed in preparing their farms for the current farming season.
Speaking at the weekend in Mbarali district, some farmers said in the past, at this season the rice was being sold from 1,800/- to 2,000/- per kilogramme but now the current price at the market is between 1,100/- and 1,500/- per kilogramme.
Wille Mwakasoke, a rice farmer from Igurusi in the district said rice production costs was big compared to the crop’s market price, the situation that make their own wellbeing difficult, let alone preparing themselves for the current farming season.
He said the slumping rice price has also affected other economic businesses including small businesses that depend on monetary circulation from the rice sector.
“This month onwards farmers used to sell 29 kgs of rice between 36,000/- and 40,000’-, as opposed to this year when the price is very low, and the situation started last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Mwakasoke.
Huruma Mwakanyamale, a cereals seller, including rice said even though the price of rice was low compared to previous years, even its demand was low.
Emmanuel Mtaki has said this season he cannot engage himself in rice farming due to lack of capital, instead they have opted to selling fried chips for a living.
Recently, Mbeya region trade officer Stanley Kibakaya said falling of rice and maize price has been caused by great supply in the market.
He advised farmers to store their crops in warehouses and wait for the prices to rise.
Source: IPP Media