Tanzanian salt producers seek government support to boost production

Kilwa. Salt producers in Lindi Region have urged the government to offer subsidies and provide specialised training to boost production and scale up their operations.

Speaking recently at the launch of a new salt processing factory in Kilwa District, a project expected to cost Sh1.8 billion upon completion, the producers expressed appreciation for the government’s support but emphasized the need for additional financial assistance to adopt modern production methods and expand their businesses.

Chairperson of the salt producers association in Lindi, Mr Afwilile Mbembela, thanked the government for building the factory but urged it to provide subsidies to enable the farmers to increase output and improve quality.

“We appreciate the factory. It has been a major challenge for us salt farmers, especially with market access. Now, we will have a reliable place to sell our produce. However, we still lack the capacity to produce high-quality salt,” he said.

“We request subsidies, as other sectors have been granted, so we can modernise our production," added Mr Mbembela.

He also appealed to the government, through the State Mining Corporation (Stamico), to provide technical training, enabling them to adopt professional production methods.

“Right now, we rely on outdated, traditional methods that we inherited from our elders. When it rains, production halts,” he added.

Another salt producer, Ms Farida Samuli, echoed the concerns, noting that while the factory would greatly ease market challenges, it is essential for producers to receive the necessary skills to compete and increase productivity.

“We need subsidies and technology to boost production," she said.

“We have to pool resources just to keep operations running. Subsidies would help us buy equipment and fuel, making production easier,” said another producer, Ms Halima Kitenge.

In response, the director general of STamico, Dr Venance Mwasse, acknowledged the market challenges but reassured the producers that the factory’s construction would alleviate the problem.

“The factory will address the issue of a reliable market while providing miners with training and the appropriate technology to refine salt and improve its quality for human consumption. The factory is expected to be completed by April 2025,” said Dr Mwasse.

The minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, revealed that the government has suspended the subsidy programme due to an ongoing audit by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) and the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), following concerns that funds were not reaching the intended recipients.

“There was a subsidy system nine years ago, but the CAG is currently reviewing it. However, you can enter tripartite agreements between Stamico, farmers, and banks to secure small loans, which will help to raise capital,” Mr Mavunde said.

“The government is determined to see salt producers advance and grow... By December, you will have received the necessary training,” Mr Mavunde assured.