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Food outlook very bleak, says TMA
2006-01-03 08:38:35
By Pacifique Nkeshimana
Harvests following last year’s short rains will be’very poor’, the Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) said yesterday.
Pasture conditions would also remain poor in most parts of the country, TMA Director General Dr Mohamed Mhita said yesterday.
He said farmers could not plant crops in some parts of Coast Region and the Northern Zone districts of Loliondo, Mbulu and Babati due to inadequate short rains.
Wilting of crops was reported in Ngara and Bukoba districts in Kagera Region, Tarime in Mara Region and Pangani and Lushoto districts in Tanga Region.
’In western, central and southern regions, the onset of seasonal rains was delayed and crop performance will depend on the amount of rain that will fall from January through February,’ Dr Mhita said.
He said water levels in rivers, dams and other water reservoirs had dropped’drastically’ as a result of inadequate short rains.
”The levels of water in Mtera and Kidatu dams are very low due to inadequate short rains in Iringa and Mbeya regions,’ he said, adding that water for domestic and industrial consumption and irrigation should be used sparingly.
Dr Mhita said water harvesting and conservation measures aimed at utilising’each and every drop’ were essential in improving agricultural production in areas worst affected by lack of rain.
He also advised farmers to seek the guidance of agricultural extension officers as part of efforts to avert famine in the country following poor rains last years.
Dr Mhita added that TMA would continue to monitor weather systems and issue the up to date and relevant advisories regularly.
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