Tanzania's integrated cold chain impresses the global horticulture industry

Photo: File

A cold storage facility for horticulture produce.

By Guardian Reporter , The Guardian

PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan's efforts to strengthen and integrate transport systems in the country have garnered significant interest from global horticultural markets.

According to a statement issued by Prof. Godius Kahyarara, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and shared to this journalist, indicates that representatives from France-based Rungis International Market will visit Tanzania in mid-July this year.

Rungis is noted as the world's second-largest wholesale food market, spanning 327 hectares (810 acres), following Mexico City's Central de Abasto.

During their visit, the Rungis' delegation, which includes representatives from major companies such as Metro and Shoprite, will participate in a local business forum organized by Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) in collaboration with Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), and Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA).

Another entity showing keen interest according to the statement is the World Food Programme (WFP), the largest humanitarian organization globally and a key provider of school meals.

According to Prof. Kahyarara, WFP has donated eight refrigerated train cargo wagons and has identified horticultural farmers in Morogoro and Dodoma for support in international trade.

Under President Samia's reforms that are impressing the global horticulture market, the completion of the modernization of Dar es Salaam port is highlighted. 

This includes widening the entrance channel from 140 meters to 170 meters and deepening the port to a depth of 15.5 meters, enabling large vessels up to 300 meters in length to dock.

The Cold Chains facilities, as described by the Permanent Secretary, will involve establishing a state-of-the-art modern cold channel or Green Terminal spanning 23 hectares (51 acres)

In addition to container handling, it will have the capacity to handle up to 25,000 containers, approximately 500,000 tons.

Given the seasonal nature of horticulture, which can involve two to three harvesting periods annually, the facilities are expected to handle over a million tons.

Speaking on the integration of the transport system, Prof. Kahyarara emphasized the government's strategy to establish an interconnected transportation model linking ports with railways.

There are also plans to integrate cargo train services within airports.

This comprehensive approach will facilitate the movement of the cold chain, ensuring products move seamlessly from production sites to railway stations, and then to ports and airports, all within temperature-controlled conditions using vessels and cargo planes.