The Tanzanian government, through its Ministry of Agriculture, has launched a strategic tax exemption initiative aimed at reducing post-harvest losses for horticultural and cereal crops farmers.
This initiative is part of the broader Feed the Future Tanzania Tuhifadhi Chakula project, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and led by the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA). The government’s commitment includes providing import duty exemptions to help farmers access affordable technologies to enhance productivity, sustainability, and value addition, thereby cutting post-harvest losses significantly by 2028.
Permanent Secretary Gerald Mweli announced the goal to reduce post-harvest losses in horticulture from 30-40% to 15% and in grains from 13% to 7% by 2028. He highlighted the lack of modern technology as a major factor contributing to crop losses and vulnerability to pests. Mweli also noted that government subsidies have already contributed to a rise in sunflower production, with output increasing from 490,000 tonnes to 1.1 million tonnes in just one year.
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The launch event in Arusha showcased innovative technologies for improving soil health, harvesting methods, and post-harvest processing. Mr. Amani Temu, Chief of Party for the Feed the Future Tanzania project, emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between the government and private sectors to address policy challenges and reduce losses sustainably. Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, CEO of TAHA, expressed her appreciation for the support provided by both the Tanzanian government and USAID in strengthening the country’s horticulture sector.
With over 30 companies participating, the exhibition underscored the critical role of modern technologies in empowering farmers to add value to their crops, improve market readiness, and enhance overall agricultural practices. This collaborative effort aims to ignite passion among farmers and equip them with the tools necessary for long-term success.
