Africa-Press – Tanzania. The National Bank of Commerce (NBC) has launched the second season of its “Shinda Mechi Zako Kinamna Yako na NBC Shambani” campaign to boost coffee production in Ruvuma, specifically in the Mbinga and Nyasa districts. The initiative offers tailored financial services to support local coffee farmers.
As part of the campaign, NBC is conducting training sessions to educate farmers on its offerings, including crop and health insurance, digital and agency banking, loans for farming tools and inputs, and support for warehouse construction and crop marketing.
The launch event took place over the weekend in Mbinga and was officiated by District Commissioner Mr Kisare Makori. It was attended by senior officials, cooperative leaders, farmers, and NBC representatives, including Head of Strategy Mr Msafiri Shayo, Coastal Zone Manager Ms. Zubeider Haroun, and Head of SMEs and Agriculture Unit Mr. Raymond Urassa.
In the course, DC Makori praised NBC for prioritizing farmers, highlighting the importance of access to loans for equipment and inputs, as well as the value of health and crop insurance to protect against personal and natural disasters.
He added: “I am particularly heartened to learn that this campaign empowers farmers to access loans for critical equipment, including tractors and other modern farming tools, as well as agricultural inputs and advance payment loans.”
On his part, Mr Msafiri articulated NBC’s initiative as a direct response to the government’s call to action, aligning with the 10/30 agenda designed to elevate agricultural production from 5 per cent to 10 per cent by the year 2030.
“In conjunction with this campaign tailored for Mbinga and Nyasa Districts coffee farmers, we are introducing various services, including the establishment of NBC Shambani accounts with no monthly fees. We are also providing loan services for individual farmers seeking essential agricultural tools, such as tractors, along with loans for cooperative societies (AMCOS/Union) for their input needs.
Stressing Mr Urassa added that the campaign targets all farming groups, from individuals to apex cooperatives, encouraging the use of NBC Shambani accounts for produce sales.
He added: “With the launch of this campaign for its second year here in Ruvuma, particularly in Mbinga and Nyasa, we are excited to offer farmers a chance to win valuable tools, including spray pumps and motorcycles for transportation. Furthermore, AMCOS and unions will have the opportunity to win tricycles to facilitate the transportation of their produce.”
Farming representatives of Kibandai AMCOS Chairperson Ms Vestina Nombo and Kipowolo AMCOS Secretary Mr Matius Kapinga expressed their gratitude, noting the high demand for health and agricultural insurance among farmers seeking better protection for themselves and their livelihoods.
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