Tanzania's Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe has accused World Food Programme (WFP) agents of violating an agreement with the Tanzanian government by purchasing maize below the mandated price of Sh700 ($0.26) per kilo.
He revealed that the WFP buys maize directly from Tanzanian farmers at a price as low as Sh500 ($0.18) per kilo and demanded that the UN agency adhere to the government-approved price or close its procurement centers in the East African country.
"This is unacceptable," he declared, addressing farmers gathered at the center, which is operated by Tanzania's National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA). "The WFP is required to pay Sh700 per kilogram as per the agreement. They must comply with this directive or cease operations and purchase their maize through the government."
The minister's directive comes amidst farmer complaints about delays in selling their produce and unfair pricing practices. Farmers have often spent weeks at the center cleaning and grading their maize to meet quality standards, facing pressure from private buyers who offer lower prices.
"Private buyers are taking advantage of our farmers, purchasing at prices well below Sh700, only to sell it to NFRA for a profit margin of Sh250 ($0.01) per kilo," Minister Bashe said, warning that this practice contributes to rural poverty.
In a separate announcement, the official revealed the government's plan to establish mechanization centers across the country, providing subsidized access to agricultural machinery. This initiative aims to reduce the cost of tractor rentals for farmers, who currently pay between Sh120,000 ($44) and Sh40,000 ($15) per acre.