Agriculture & Food Security

The decision, announced by Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe, follows the failure of both countries to lift their restrictions on Tanzanian farm products, despite five years of negotiations.

Led by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with GIZ-Mali, the 10-year strategy targets a production increase from 3 million tonnes to 5.5 million tonnes of paddy rice.

While the decision permits the import and processing of the GM corn for food and feed, it explicitly excludes their cultivation within the trading bloc.

Per capita rice consumption now stands at 84 kg, up from 58 kg two decades ago, driven by urbanization, dietary changes, and rising rural market connectivity.

The facility is set to significantly improve disease resistance, accelerate wheat breeding, and enhance yields, as the country seeks to reduce its 80% dependency on wheat imports.