Government encourages investment in agro-produce packaging
What you need to know:
- Kigahe has called upon local and foreign investors to focus on value addition and the production of packaging materials to address the significant challenge of post-harvest losses in Tanzania
Dar es Salaam. The deputy minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Exaud Kigahe, has urged both local and foreign investors to focus on value addition and the production of packaging materials as a way to address post-harvest losses in the country.
During the 9th Agro Food Packaging International Trade Exhibition held in Dar es Salaam, Mr Kigahe discussed the significant impact that post-harvest losses have on the nation's economy.
The exhibition attracted participants from 17 countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Italy, China, Spain, the UAE, Pakistan, Turkey, Japan, Egypt, Jordan, and France.
Mr Kigahe acknowledged the advancements made under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s trade promotion initiatives, which have enhanced agricultural production, particularly in the poultry sector.
However, he emphasised that managing post-harvest losses remains a critical challenge. “Investing in value chains and innovative packaging solutions is essential to minimising these losses,” he said.
He encouraged investors to establish factories for packaging and value addition in Tanzania, highlighting the country's improved business environment.
These investments, he noted, would not only tackle local challenges but also provide companies access to the vast East African and Southern African Development Community (SADC) markets, which collectively have a population exceeding 400 million people.
Mr Oscar Kisanga, CEO of the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (TCCIA), mentioned that the exhibition serves as a key platform for knowledge exchange and networking.
He highlighted the significant opportunities that exist in agriculture and poultry, both of which have considerable growth potential.
Post-harvest food losses (PHL) continue to pose a critical food security issue in Tanzania.
Approximately 50 percent of fresh fruits and vegetables spoil before reaching consumers, while nearly 25 percent of rice and maize are lost due to inadequate post-harvest infrastructure.
Investments in value addition and packaging are seen as crucial for reducing these losses, enhancing food security, and supporting the country’s agricultural sector.
