The Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) in Tanzania has achieved significant milestones in regulating trade in 129 crops, enhancing market access, and streamlining the country's agricultural value chain. Established in 2023, COPRA has been working to address gaps in agricultural trade coordination, enabling farmers to access reliable markets. According to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Gerald Mweli, the authority was created to bridge the coordination gap in agricultural trade.
COPRA has successfully opened 15 international markets in countries such as India and China, providing opportunities for Tanzanian farmers and traders to export their produce. Notable examples include banana exports to South Africa, avocado exports reaching 30,000 tonnes, and maize sales exceeding 15,000 tonnes. These developments have created new revenue streams for farmers and traders, contributing to the country's economic growth. The government is also exploring online maize trading platforms to connect producers with buyers and simplify transactions.
The authority's Board Chairperson, Prof Sifuni Mchome, highlighted COPRA's focus on establishing operational systems, regulations, and procedures, as well as recruiting qualified staff to carry out its mandate. COPRA has engaged with farmers, traders, institutions, and international stakeholders to strengthen links between production, processing, and consumption. This integrated approach aims to ensure food security by aligning farmers' output with market demand and promoting organised crop trading.
COPRA's Director General, Irene Mlola, who assumed office on October 1, 2023, credited cooperation with the government, institutions, the board, and the private sector for supporting the authority's development. COPRA has developed dedicated systems for six crops, including pigeon peas, sesame, lentils, and soybeans, and introduced the COPRA Management Information System (COPRA MIS). This digital platform supports warehouse registration, quality monitoring, and consignment identification.
The authority monitors market prices and oversees auction prices to protect the value of farmers' produce. COPRA's five-year plan focuses on increasing production and promoting the use of quality seeds, fertilisers, and other agricultural inputs. By improving access to these essential inputs, COPRA aims to enhance farmers' productivity and competitiveness in the global market.
The government has set ambitious targets for agricultural growth, aiming to increase crop export earnings to $5 billion by 2030. To achieve this goal, farmers need timely access to inputs and services. Mr. Mweli emphasised that Tanzanians are not lazy, but rather require support to access fertilisers and seeds on time to increase production. COPRA will continue working to improve access to inputs, markets, and services covering production, storage, transport, and crop trading in Tanzania and internationally.
As COPRA continues to implement its regulatory framework, the authority urges farmers and stakeholders to collaborate with them to ensure sustainable growth across the sector. By working together, COPRA aims to enhance the competitiveness of Tanzanian farmers and traders in the global market, ultimately contributing to the country's economic development.
Key points
- COPRA has regulated trade in 129 crops, expanding market access and improving coordination across Tanzania's agricultural value chain.
- The authority has opened 15 international markets, including India and China, creating opportunities for farmers and traders to export their produce.
- The government aims to increase crop export earnings to $5 billion by 2030 as part of its broader economic ambitions towards 2050.
