President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to expand its grain storage capacity to three million tonnes by 2030.
The directive was given on Saturday during her inspection of the ongoing construction of modern silos and warehouses in Mpanda Municipality, Katavi Region.
These new facilities will significantly boost storage capacity from the current 5,000 tonnes to 28,000 tonnes.
“This project worth 14 billion shillings will help the country deal with food insecurity and reduce post-harvest loss,” President Samia stated.
She emphasized that Katavi Region should become a special independent zone for grain purchasing and storage.
She urged crop buyers to offer fair prices to farmers and highlighted the government’s commitment to transition from subsistence to commercial farming.
In her address, President Samia noted the substantial increase in the budget for the Agriculture Ministry, which has tripled over the past three years, rising from 460 billion shillings in the 2020/21 financial year to 1.248 trillion shillings this fiscal year.
This budget is allocated for building irrigation schemes, promoting extension services, procuring fertilizers, and constructing food storage facilities.
Concurrently, President Samia inaugurated the Katavi Region’s new police headquarters, stressing the government’s dedication to enhancing the criminal justice system.
The new building, part of the government’s broader efforts to improve the working environment for the police, includes 33 offices, two armories, and two conference halls.
President Samia also directed the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the building’s ICT systems are integrated with other regional institutions to enhance operational efficiency.
