Local News

Pinda touts quality certification

PRIME Minister Mizengo Pinda holds a copy of Tanzania Academy of Sciences (TAAS) book titled “Lighting a Fire” after launching it at the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) in Dar es Salaam

THE Prime Minister, Mr Mizengo Pinda, has advised Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) to acquire its bar code and certification by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) to enable its products penetrate international markets.

The premier gave the advice at the launching of the Nanenane Agricultural Show for Eastern Zone at Julius Nyerere grounds in Morogoro.

The prime minister said the university was producing foodstuffs packed in beautiful containers but lacked quality assurance. "I am highly impressed with the products, but the only thing is that they cannot sell them in international markets unless they have a bar code," he insisted.

He said having the bar code and TBS marks is not necessary for SUA, but for all small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs). "Instead of selling fresh fruits we can process them to get juice with long shelf-life span. We can do that in maize by selling flour instead of maize, here the value will be added," he said.

At the SUA pavilion, the premier got the opportunity to inspect  different wines, nutritious flours, yoghurt and processed honey. The prime minister told farmers that the government had heard their cry over the exportation of food crops to neighbouring countries.

Mr Pinda said the theme of Nanenane this year is: 'Kilimo Kwanza, zalisha kisayansi na kiteknolojia kukidhi mahitaji ya ongezeko la watu " literary meaning Agriculture First, Produce Scientifically and Technologically to Meet the Population Growth.

He said farmers should produce sufficient food for local and international markets. The Tanzania Agriculture Society Organization (TASO) Secretary for the Eastern Zone, Mr Raphael Jackson, said the organisation was working hard in making sure that simple technology which can increase production is reaching the majority of farmers.

He mentioned some of simple technology necessary for local farmers as simple irrigation pumps and other simple machines.

Meanwhile, CHRISTOPHER MAJALIWA reports from Dar es Salaam that the prime minister has challenged local scientists to be fully involved in writing science books to curb current shortages and inspire future generations study science.

Launching a science book titled: "Lighting a Fire" in Dar es Salaam, the premier said writing such books would help in guiding research and providing merit-based scientific solutions to various problems.

"It is time now you concentrate on writing more books with detailed scientific research. This will inspire youth and help the government to address various challenges the country faces," Mr Pinda said.

He called upon the Tanzania Academy of Scientists (TAAS) to collaborate with the government to find a possibility of supporting the association's commitment to conduct more researches.

Mr Pinda added that science books serve as catalysts for harnessing science, technology and innovation as engines for socio-economic transformation, thus, science books' authorship was vital.

The Minister for Communication, Science and Technology, Prof Makame Mbarawa said the only shortcut in addressing many challenges facing the country was through investing in science and technology.
  
Earlier, when giving a brief on the book, TAAS out-going Secretary General, Prof Keto Mshigeni said the book would be used as an "inspirational tool" to future generations.

He said that the book which is under authorship of eight women and 23 men scientists would among other things, help in promoting dissemination of scientific knowledge.

TAAS President, Prof Esther Mwaikambo, called on stakeholders to participate in its endeavours to make more rapid sustainable socio-economic development through science and technology.