NFRA seeks to adopt AGRA supported grain storage technologies
Sat Apr 25, 2015
The initial results of testing of new grain storage technology by the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) in Dodoma has proved a success, which could pave way for mass adoptions in future.
NFRA Operations Manager Nicodemus Massao said on Thursday in the region while inspecting the initial results of the technology that this was the first time the agency was using the technology, saying initial results has been impressive.
Massao said before NFRA could go for full utilisation of the new grain storage technology, more tests needs to be done.
The event in the region brought together nearly 100 representatives from farmer organisations at NFRA site in Dodoma to inspect the initial results of the technologies.
“We need to see how this technology operates, how it works as well as its effectiveness in controlling insects and the impact on the quality of the maize after it is stored,” he said.
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) working with agriculture stakeholders in Tanzania is testing the suitability of a number of storage technologies, from PICS (Purdue Improved Cowpeas) bags to metal silos and hematic cocoons, in helping farmers tackle post-harvest losses.
With the support of AGRA, NFRA started by trialing two cocoons, a 525 metric ton (mt) cocoon at Songera and the other 150mt cocoon at Dodoma.
The project was initially launched at Ibumila, in the Southern Highlands with a focus of working to ease storage challenges to farmers.
However, with the progress of the project, NFRA has seen the opportunities of the technologies particularly the cocoon to help solve its own storage challenges.
Research shows Tanzania farmers can lose up to 40 per cent of their harvests in post harvest losses resulting from insects, rodents, transportation and improper drying.
Deputy Head of Program and Purchase for Progress (P4P) Coordinator with the World Food Program, Marina Negroponte, said tackling post-harvest storage challenges offers significant opportunities to boost farmer profitability.
“You can have the highest quality maize or beans, but if you cannot store it properly, you are going to lose it or sell it really cheaply,” she said.
She added, “Considering the costs of production, farmers aren’t going to make any margins because they are trying to invest in seeds, labor, cleaning and all that has costs”
Marina said if famers can only sell a little bit above the production costs due to post harvest loses, then they will end up losing their money.
Tanzania AGRA Country Manager, Dr Mary Mgonja, said knowledge gained from the project will be valuable for the government, donors and other agencies with an interest in reducing post-harvest losses in the country.
“The technologies we are testing are not new; they are proven to be effective in helping to store grain in many other parts of the world and it has potential to answer a lot of questions and help tackle post-harvest losses,” she concluded.
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