Tanzanian farmers of pigeon peas were frustrated due to the sudden decline of crop prices in 2017 to the tune of Sh200 per kilo. The price decline from over Sh2,500 per kilo was witnessed in 2016, something that triggered a huge debate and uproar from agriculture advocates, policy and lawmakers.
Unfortunately, the price decline occurred at a time farmers were considering to increase crop production following encouraging prices the following year. However, in February this year, Agriculture Minister, Mr Hussein Bashe held talks with the Indian High Commissioner to Tanzania, Mr Binaya Srikanta Pradhan and agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would lift the ban extended to the crop.
“We at the ministry are preparing a working team that will sit with their Indian counterparts and design an MoU providing details of all Tanzanian crops exported to India,” he said during a briefing.
Mr Bashe who doubles as Nzega Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) said the two sides intended at ending frequent banning of Tanzanian crops exported to India. He said during the meeting, the government of India was also asked to continue exempting import duty for Tanzania avocado as compared to competitors whose 30 percent import duty charges will continue.
[ Sh100 = €0.040 ]
Source: thecitizen.co.tz
