Farmers, food processors urged to adopt modern techniques

Iringa. Farmers and food processors have been urged to adopt modern techniques in their activities in attempt to enable them increase agriculture productivity and create more jobs for youths.

The call was made by Iringa Regional Assistant Administrative Secretary, Mr Elia Luvanda, who represented the Regional Administrative Secretary during the training of youths on modern agriculture and food processing.

"We want our youth to create employment opportunities through improved agriculture and food processing to boost their economy and address the challenge of unemployment," said Mr Luvanda.

He further emphasised that professional farming and modern processing would help tackle malnutrition.

"If farmers produce scientifically and processors adhere to proper standards, we will have a well-nourished society," he added.

More than 80 youths received training on quality, standards and post-harvest technologies across maize, rice, sunflower and horticultural value chains.

The training aimed at enabling them to improve quality of agricultural products they currently produce, produce and sell them into the market.

It involved youths engaged in grain production, food processing, agricultural extension officers, and vegetable and fruit farmers from various areas of Iringa.

The two-day training, held from March 4-5, 2025, was conducted in collaboration with government officials, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and The Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT).

Key topics included the use of modern technologies in agriculture and processing, as well as the importance of proper nutrition to improve the quality of agricultural products.

On her part, GAIN head of projects, Dr Winfrida Mayilla, said the training aimed to ensure farmers and processors produce nutritious food to combat malnutrition.

"Statistics show that 30 percent of children under five face stunted growth challenges. It is crucial to ensure that the food produced contains adequate nutrients to improve public health," said Dr Mayilla.

The training is part of the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future Food of Africa (YEFFA) project, funded by agriculture think-tank AGRA in collaboration with various stakeholders. The initiative aims to combat malnutrition by empowering young people to engage in the agricultural value chain.

Dr Mayilla explained that the project equips young people with skills for self-employment by adopting best agricultural and processing practices.

Participants received hands-on training in vegetable and fruit farming, along with producing nutrient-rich foods containing zinc and vitamin A.

"By empowering youth, who make up 60 percent of Tanzania’s population, we take a significant step in addressing the country’s nutritional challenges," she said.

Initially conducted in Morogoro, the training has now been held in Iringa and will soon extend to Songea.

It is estimated that over 3,000 jobs will be created across the three participating regions.

A young farmer from Iringa District, Oscar Kilatu, said the knowledge he gained would help him improve rice and maize production more efficiently.

"I have learned better farming techniques, and I will ensure I farm more effectively to produce high-quality crops," said Mr Kilatu.

Another farmer from Iringa Municipality, Ms Neema Kassian, shared that she had previously processed nutritional flour without adhering to proper standards, but now she understands the correct processing procedures.

"I will ensure I follow processing guidelines and become a role model for other food processors in Iringa," she said.