DODOMA, April 29 -- THE Tanzanian government has unveiled a new push to scale up domestic apple production, saying the country can no longer rely on imports despite having vast potential to grow the high-value fruit locally.

Presenting a 1.1tri/- budget for the 2026/27 financial year, Minister for Agriculture Daniel Chongolo said Tanzania imported 1,481.98 tonnes of apples by March 2026, a trend that underscores rising local demand and the need to expand national production.

He said although the Northern Zone, Central Zone and Southern Highlands offer ideal conditions for high-quality apple production that meets international standards, the country has for years depended heavily on foreign supply.

“In 2026/27, the ministry will m...