The government of Tanzania has announced a push up of price of maize following drought and poor harvest of the commodity.
According to December 2021 reports by the Ministry of Agriculture, prices for maize grains are fluctuating and are fetching different prices at local markets across the country. The National Bureau of Statistics shows that a 100-kg bag of maize now costs between $23.9 and $39.1, with the northern regions of Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga and Manyara affected.
Maize millers increased the wholesale price codes for a bag of maize flour weighing 25kg from $7.8 to $10.8. In most shops a one-kilogramme packet of maize flour was going for between $0.6 and $0.65. The packet previously cost between $0.43 and $0.52. However, despite the country facing a maize shortage the ministerial report shows its food situation remains stable.
Largest producer of maize in East Africa
“Tanzania has enough food stock. According to the Bank of Tanzania, the country’s demand for maize stands at 5.4 million tonnes per year, with a surplus of 810,760 tonnes,” Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe said.
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Maize is one of the main food crops in Tanzania whose production accounts for more than 70 percent of cereals produced in the country. It is grown in all 20 regions, on about 45 percent of the cultivated area. Most of the maize is produced in the Southern Highlands, the Lake zone, and the Northern zone.
Tanzania is the largest producer of maize in East Africa. It is part of bilateral deals between other EAC states, notably Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda, as it is a common staple food for African community members.
