Tanzania: Mbeya Agro-Processors to Increase Horticulture Exports

HORTICULTURAL growers from Mbeya region have expressed optimism to increase export volume and earnings after securing land for establishing agro processing industries. "We are optimistic that the initiative will help double production for exports," said Mr Renatus Lembileki, a grower of cabbages and avocado in the region. He said lack of land to establish industries were one of the biggest obstacles, not money, labour, or produce. The initiative to establish 50 small and medium industries in the region is being implemented by the Tanzania Food Processors Association of Women Entrepreneurs (TAFOPA) after securing a five-acre plot offered by Mbeya regional authorities for the purpose. "You can secure easily money from the bank or elsewhere to start very modern industrial plants in a short time. But without land, you will not get anywhere, and this is what has been happening all these years," he said. Mr Lembileki said the Covid-19 pandemic created yawning emptiness in east, central, ...