The Tanzanian government is exploring the construction of cold rooms in produce markets across the country using simple, cost-effective technology. This initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers' productivity. Agriculture Minister Daniel Chongolo made the announcement while inspecting the construction of the new Mamsera Market in Rombo District, Kilimanjaro Region. The project, costing over Sh700 million, is expected to improve access to reliable markets for farmers.
The proposed cold rooms will help preserve perishable produce, including bananas, fruits, and vegetables, giving farmers more time to find markets instead of suffering losses when their crops spoil before marketing. According to Minister Chongolo, the goal is to prevent post-harvest losses and achieve 100 percent productivity. The government is committed to improving market infrastructure to ensure farmers have reliable outlets for their produce and earn incomes that reflect their production costs.
Minister Chongolo instructed the Ministry of Agriculture's Deputy Permanent Secretary, Prof Peter Msofe, to ensure the Mamsera Market is completed before December 23, 2026. He emphasized the importance of timely project completion, stating that failure to manage funds properly amounts to letting the government down. The project should address the needs of farmers and traders in Mamsera and Rombo, providing services that meet the requirements of the agricultural produce trade.
The government also plans to construct the Holili International Grain Market along the Tanzania-Kenya border. Minister Chongolo directed Prof Msofe to ensure the contractor mobilizes to the site by April 2027, so construction can begin as scheduled. The market's design will include space for a small fruit and vegetable market, enabling traders to access a wider range of goods in one location.
Rombo MP and Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, said establishing a produce market in Holili would give farmers access to external markets, including Kenya and other countries. He envisioned the market becoming an international trading hub for fruits and vegetables, particularly bananas, which are produced in large quantities in Rombo District. Prof Mkenda urged the ministry to ensure the Holili market has cold-storage facilities.
Local farmers and traders have expressed support for the initiative, citing the lack of cold-storage facilities as a major challenge. Ms Jenifa Audiface, a trader and farmer, said the absence of cold-storage facilities forces farmers to sell their produce at low prices to avoid losses caused by spoilage. Mr Edwin Mlay, another farmer, said establishing cold-storage facilities at Mamsera and Holili markets would benefit farmers and traders by allowing them to store their produce for appropriate periods.
The construction of Mamsera Market has reached 70 percent completion, according to Prof Msofe. The market is expected to improve access to reliable markets for banana and avocado farmers, increase the incomes of farmers and traders, and strengthen agricultural produce trade in the area. With the planned cold rooms and markets, Tanzanian farmers may increase their incomes and expand their market reach.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government plans to construct low-cost cold rooms in produce markets to reduce post-harvest losses and boost farmers' incomes.
- The initiative aims to achieve 100 percent productivity and improve market infrastructure for farmers.
- The government has committed to completing the Mamsera Market and starting construction of the Holili International Grain Market.
