Standards Bureau offers free on-site testing to boost Tanzania’s agricultural produce value
Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) Northern Zone Manager, Mr Yona Afrika, speaks on value addition for agricultural produce at the Northern Zone Nanenane exhibition in Arusha on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. PHOTO | FILBERT RWEYEMAMU
Arusha. Farmers and livestock keepers attending the Northern Zone Nanenane exhibition have praised testing services offered by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), noting that quality certification adds value to produce and protects earnings.
Speaking at the 32nd agricultural exhibition held at the Taso grounds in Njiro, Arusha city on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, participants highlighted that quality verification enables producers across northern regions to secure better export prices, particularly in neighbouring Kenya.
A tomato farmer from Ngarenanyuki in Arumeru District, Mr Eliufoo Mafie, described TBS testing as a relief for producers previously forced to sell raw harvests directly from farms at depressed prices to avoid post-harvest spoilage.
“Quality certification will help us secure fair domestic and regional market prices, preventing middlemen from exploiting our fear of crop loss,” said Mr Mafie.
He urged agricultural stakeholders to attend the exhibition to engage with government bodies and private firms to adopt modern, high-productivity practices.
Another farmer from Mbulu District in Manyara Region, Mr Daniel Tluway, similarly welcomed quality testing as an essential step toward economic empowerment, though he noted challenges regarding farmgate pricing dictated by visiting buyers.
Visitors receive guidance on improved livestock management techniques during the Northern Zone Nanenane exhibition at Njiro in Arusha on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. PHOTO | FILBERT RWEYEMAMU
He stressed that official standards certification gives farmers leverage to negotiate prices reflecting actual production value, ensuring profits flow to primary producers rather than intermediaries.
“Standards certification guarantees consumer safety and grants farmers leverage to command competitive market prices,” noted Mr Tluway.
Responding to farmers' feedback, TBS Northern Zone Manager, Mr Yona Afrika, stated that the agency’s participation focuses on educating producers regarding quality requirements necessary to access lucrative regional markets.
“Arusha’s proximity to Kenya makes it a strategic hub for agricultural exports. Our goal is to eliminate quality barriers, ensuring local produce satisfies East African Community standards,” said Mr Afrika.
He added that TBS plans to engage stakeholders across the entire agricultural value chain during the exhibition, providing on-site produce testing to help farmers gain full market value.
