As
a part of the Local Raw Material Initiative, Serengeti Breweries
Limited (SBL) is distributing barley seeds to farmers in Kilimanjaro and
Manyara. Under the initiative, 4,000 tonnes of barley seeds will be
distributed to framers. The initiative is expected to benefit farmers of
the region.
"We
have started with these regions...extra seeds are en route and more
farmers are set to benefit this season," said Mr Shafii Mndeme,
Agribusiness Manager of SBL.
The
farmers seem to be satisfied by the initiative, Mr. Nobert Malihela,
one of the farmers said, “We get seeds when needed and this helps us
plant on time and get better harvests," he said, requesting the company
to broaden the initiative to more farmers in the country.
The
farmers feel that the initiative has helped them form a reliable market
and build confidence to access loans. Also the initiative has helped
the farmers get timely payments for their produce.
"It
is because of this contract farming that we have built confidence in
banks and other financial institutions," said Mr. Mwinyio Makame,
another farmer.
The
initiative started in 2012 with only 5 farmers and has now grown to 150
farmers. Around 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes of barley is produced every
season.
The initiative is run in districts of Arusha, Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Iringa and Rukwa.
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