Italy explores deeper partnership with Tanzanian agricultural sector

Dar es Salaam. In a bid to enhance agricultural productivity and elevate crop value in Tanzania, Italy is deliberating on intensifying its collaboration with local farmers and companies within agricultural facilities.

Italy’s ambassador to Tanzania, Marco Lombardi, emphasised the significance of Tanzania's agricultural sector, deeming it a vital resource deserving adequate exploitation.

Speaking during a stakeholders' meeting on March 18, 2024, Lombardi highlighted the upcoming 46th edition of EIMA International, the premier global exhibition of agricultural mechanics scheduled for November this year.

Lombardi referenced estimates from the research institute Export Planning, indicating a projected growth in Tanzania’s agricultural machinery imports from around the world at an annual rate of 7.5 percent over the next four years.

This forecast suggests a favourable environment for bolstering trade ties between Italy and Tanzania.

Furthermore, Lombardi stressed that investing in agricultural equipment is pivotal for fostering sustainable harvesting and farming practices.

He underscored Italy's commitment to leveraging advanced agricultural facilities designed to address climate change challenges and mitigate risks for farmers.

The Director General of Reliance Group Ltd, Mr Steven Mlosi, echoed the sentiment, noting that despite Tanzania's vast arable land, agricultural production fails to reach its full potential due to inadequate utilisation of appropriate agricultural facilities.

Mlosi emphasised the necessity of partnering with Italy to address these challenges, thereby enhancing food crop production for both domestic consumption and international markets.

Trade Analyst at the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) Desk Tanzania, Nofla Mwamanga, elaborated on the forthcoming international expo in Italy, which will feature participation from various local agriculture companies and farmers.

Mwamanga highlighted the diverse array of agricultural machinery, equipment, and technologies to be showcased at the expo, catering to the specific needs of Tanzanian agriculture.

Notably, she emphasised the Idrotech exhibition, showcasing innovative irrigation technologies aimed at optimising water consumption and sustainability.

Mwamanga also announced that the Italian Trade Agency would reveal the participating companies in the expo, offering Tanzanian buyers access to cutting-edge agricultural solutions tailored to their requirements.