Magufuli readies 75 army trucks in cashew nut price feud

Dar es Salaam. President John Magufuli on Saturday November 10 inspected 75 Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) trucks that would be used in the government operation to buy cashew nut if traders miss the Monday headline.

On Friday, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa issued a four-day ultimatum to traders to declare their plans to purchase cashews including providing the quantity and timeframe of their purchase.

Traders have purchased at least 2,600 tonnes of cashews in the second phase of the auctions after meeting President Magufuli at State House where he directed them to buy the crop at a minimum price of Sh3,000 per kilo.

On Saturday, Dr Magufuli said that the government would deploy the army to buy cashew nut at Sh3, 000 per kilo, if buyers will not buy the merchandise.

A statement signed by the director of presidential communications, Gerson Msigwa said Dr Magufuli inspected the 75 trucks capable of carrying 1,500 tonnes at the TPDF transportation unit along Kilwa Road.

The statement says the trucks will be used for ferrying cashews if traders will remain silent until Monday 4pm when the deadline expirers.

Addressing TPDF senior officers at the unit also known as 95KJ, Dr Magufuli said TPDF will be deployed in Lindi, Mtwara, Ruvuma, Coast and Tanga regions to purchase cashews if the premier’s deadline will not be positively responded by traders.

“TPDF and the National Cereals and Produce Board will collaborate in purchasing all cashews from farmers at Sh3,000 per kilo and more,” he said.

According to him, the purchased cashews will be stored in warehouses located in Mtwara and Dar es Salaam capable of storing 77,000 tonnes and 90,000 tonnes respectively.