TANZANIA – Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has urged the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite the construction of an integrated avocado service centre in the Mbeya Region.
During his visit to Kiwira in the Rungwe District of Mbeya Region, Majaliwa observed that farmers were facing significant losses due to avocado rot. He emphasized the need for quick action to support the agricultural community and boost avocado farming practices.
“The construction of this factory will significantly increase the value of avocados,” said Enock Nyasebwa, Director of Crops at the Ministry of Agriculture. “Farmers will benefit from cold storage facilities and processing options, including the production of avocado oil.”
Nyasebwa highlighted that the ministry is nearing the final stages of contractual procedures, paving the way for construction to begin. He also mentioned the government’s plan to establish standards for avocado seedlings, ensuring that Tanzanian avocados meet international market criteria.
This initiative aims to enhance the crop’s quality and increase foreign currency inflow, thus benefiting the national economy.
In addition to the avocado service centre, Prime Minister Majaliwa also laid the foundation stone for the Busokelo District Council administration building in the Lwangwa area.
Busokelo District Council Executive Director Loema Peter reported that the construction is 94% complete and requested the allocation of an additional 2.3 billion Tanzanian Shillings to finalize the project.
“We have already received 6.08 billion shillings for construction and 300 million for office furniture,” Peter said, underscoring the progress made so far.
In a significant development, China has approved samples of Tanzanian avocado farms and packhouses for compliance auditing.
This step marks a breakthrough towards allowing Tanzanian avocados to enter China’s lucrative market, valued at 150 million US dollars.
To comply with Chinese regulations, all fresh avocados exported to China must adhere to phytosanitary laws, safety standards, and be free from quarantine pests.
The Ministry of Agriculture has informed the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) that the General Administration of Chinese Customs (GACC) has selected three sample plantations for video inspection.
“The video inspection will cover all processes from harvesting to packaging for shipping,” said Mdili Katemani, Plant Health Compliance and Trade Facilitation Manager at the Ministry of Agriculture.
The selected farms include Usa Limited in Arusha, and Rutuba and Africado farms in Iringa and Kilimanjaro, respectively. This move reflects Beijing’s commitment to open its market to Tanzanian avocados, following a protocol on sanitary and phytosanitary requirements signed during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s state visit to China.
Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, Chief Executive Officer of TAHA, expressed optimism about the development, noting that access to the Chinese market could bring significant benefits to local farmers and strengthen trade relations between Tanzania and China.
“This is a significant opportunity for our farmers,” Mkindi said. “The opening of the Chinese market will not only increase their income but also enhance bilateral trade ties.”
These steps demonstrate Tanzania’s commitment to advancing its agricultural sector, with government support and international partnerships playing crucial roles in driving progress.
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