Sesame farmers in Tanzania earn USD 26.7M in successful auctions

TANZANIA – In a span of just three weeks, sesame farmers in the Mtwara Region have pocketed a substantial 72.2 billion Tanzanian shillings (USD 26.7 million) after selling over 22 million kilograms of sesame through the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX).

This marks a significant milestone for the farmers, highlighting the benefits of a transparent and competitive trading platform.

The TMX platform has allowed farmers to sell their sesame at three different auctions since the season began in mid-June.

The Mtwara, Masasi, and Nanyumbu Cooperative Union (MAMCU) facilitated these auctions, attracting many farmers due to the transparent bidding process and competitive prices.

“The sesame was sold by MAMCU in three sesame auctions conducted since the launch of the TMX platform,” stated Hussein Bwanaali, Acting Chief Accountant of MAMCU. He added that the platform’s transparency has encouraged more farmers to participate.

Sesame growers in Nanyamba Town Council, Mtwara, expressed their satisfaction with the TMX platform, noting that it has provided them with better prices and a fair selling process.

“Sesame growers are pleased and welcomed TMX. The platform is transparent and offers competitive prices. The prices are compensating our sweat,” said Said Ally, a sesame grower in Nanyamba.

The TMX platform has become a preferred choice for many sesame farmers because it allows them to observe the bidding process directly, ensuring fairness and transparency. This has led to an increase in participation and satisfaction among the farmers.

The prices offered during the latest auction ranged from 3,350 to 3,407 shillings per kilogram, a notable increase from previous prices which ranged between 2,902 and 3,310 shillings per kilogram.

“We are happy to see that the prices are increasing after each auction,” Ally remarked, highlighting the positive impact of the TMX platform on their earnings.

Kagera Region diversifies agricultural production

Meanwhile, in the Kagera Region, efforts are underway to diversify agricultural production by focusing on spices.

Known primarily for bananas and coffee, Kagera is now exploring the cultivation of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, mint, vanilla, ginger, and turmeric.

Kagera Regional Administrative Secretary Stephen Ndaki stated, “The region’s climate is ideal for growing a wide range of spices. We have decided to establish block farms with at least 5,000 hectares set aside, 1,000 of which will be for bananas and spices.”

The introduction of spice cultivation is expected to boost the region’s income and provide new opportunities for farmers. A study tour to Zanzibar, renowned for its spice production, is planned to help farmers in Kagera learn best practices.

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