Songea, 30th April 2015/-
Songea District Commissioner Prof. Norman Sigalla has urged farmers in Ruvuma Region to consider adopting the new grains storage technology being promoted by Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), as it is chemical free and economical.
Speaking on Tuesday, at the launch event of the new technologies at National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) grounds in Ruvuma Region, Prof Sigalla, said it was high time farmers adopt safe storage methods that are durable and are free of chemicals.
AGRA, with support from the Rockefeller Foundation, has introduced three portable storage solutions – hermetic cocoons, metal silos and PICS bags – which are being tested in Njombe, Dodoma, and now Ruvuma, to provide short-term storage solutions for smallholder farmers. These technologies work by eliminating (air) available oxygen thereby killing pests during storage.
The introduction comes after an AGRA funded study estimated post-harvest losses in Tanzania could range from 20-40% depending on the type of crop, season and handling practice.
Last year many farmers throughout the Tanzanian southern highlands experienced a bumper harvest with available storage facilities exceeding demand, resulting in AGRA launching the project to test potential solutions.
According to AGRA’s Director, Market Access Program, Mrs Anne Mbaabu, the technologies have been tested and proven to be effective in maintaining the quality of stored grain. This assures better market access and quality of produce. .
The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) Manager at Ruvuma Region Mr. Morgan Mwaipyana said the new technology will help to store the maize at a more affordable cost, without requirement to fumigate, and eliminate any pest infestation.
Mr C.D Glin, Rockefeller Foundation Associate Director noted that his organization was happy to support an initiative that was benefiting smallfarmers. “There is great hope for farmers in Tanzania to get full value for their produce by using improved storage systems. We want Tanzania to succeed in the green revolution,” he said.
Central and local government officials and farmers groups joined attended the event.
