Tanzania: Iringa Tobacco Farmers Hailed for Forming Co-Ops

Source from:  AllAfrica.com 10/08/2010

Dar es Salaam - TANZANIA Leaf Tobacco Company (TLTC) has lauded tobacco farmers in Iringa Region for forming co-operatives hence enabling them to cope with government reforms in the industry. The reforms include separation of inputs supply from the crop, thus contributing significantly towards the achievement of the National Programme for Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction (MKUKUTA). The TLTC Group Corporate Affairs Director, Mr Richard Sinamtwa, praised the tobacco growers on Wednesday after his firm donated desks, office furniture and other items worth 3.4m/- to Magubike Secondary School in Iringa Rural District. Mr Sinamtwa said the farmers in Iringa have made a big stride, which should be emulated by others as this was in line with the current reforms within the tobacco sub-sector. He said the reforms require Iringa tobacco farmers to form co-operatives within a year. "Farmers in this region have timely formed co-operatives. I congratulate you for the initiative," he added. He said the move would facilitate timely supply of inputs and procurement of crops through co-operatives. Meanwhile, TLTC said yesterday that their donation to Magubike Secondary school included 40 desks, 40 chairs, 60 bags of cement and 51 iron sheets. Enditem