Innovating Tanzania’s Tea Industry: Minister Bashe’s Visionary Move to Boost Production and Modernize Sales

Dodoma

In a significant stride towards revolutionizing Tanzania’s tea industry, the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe (MP), has charted a new course for the Tanzania Tea Board (TBT) and the Tanzania Small Tea Farmers Development Agency (TSHTDA). The Minister’s ambitious plan aims to elevate the sector from grassroots production to global markets.

During a pivotal meeting on November 22, 2023, at the Minister’s office in Dodoma, Hon. Bashe’s visionary approach was laid out following the presentation of a proposal for the construction of seven innovative small tea farmers’ factories. This plan, presented by an expert team from TTB, TSHTDA, along with partners from Care International Tanzania and Kazi Yetu Limited, marks a new dawn for Tanzania’s tea production.

Hon. Bashe, a staunch advocate for agricultural advancement, stressed the necessity of modernizing tea factories. His strategy includes implementing state-of-the-art irrigation systems and seed production technologies. A critical aspect of his plan is the enhancement of existing tea farms, emphasizing quality over quantity in production.

In a bold move to double the productivity, Minister Bashe has set a target to escalate tea production from the current 1,000 kilograms to 2,000 kilograms per hectare annually. This goal, steeped in ambition, is designed to transform the livelihoods of small tea farmers and propel Tanzania onto the global tea market stage.

Addressing the crucial aspect of tea sales, Hon. Bashe urged the industry to abandon antiquated selling methods. He advocated for the use of the Dar es Salaam tea auction, aligning production with market demand, thus ensuring a more profitable and sustainable model for tea sales in Tanzania.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Gerald Mweli, underscored the importance of adherence to regulatory and professional standards in this endeavor. He emphasized the need for proper documentation and legal compliance in every step of this transformative journey.

Ms. Mary Kipeja, Director-General of the Tanzania Tea Board, expressed the team’s commitment to realizing these ambitious plans within the set timeframe. This dedication reflects the collective drive of Tanzania’s agricultural sector to innovate and thrive in a competitive global market.

Ms. Tahira Nazari, MD Kazi Yetu, outlines the construction of seven state-of-the-art tea factories. These facilities, including five processing plants, one packing factory, and one packaging material factory, represent a tangible commitment to a brighter future for Tanzania’s tea industry.

With this bold initiative, Tanzania is poised to redefine its tea industry, blending traditional practices with modern innovation, and setting a new standard for agricultural development in Africa.