PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has appealed to traders across the country to refrain from raising food prices unnecessarily ahead of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Adjourning the 18th session of the 12th Parliament yesterday, the premier emphasized the role of traders in supporting the smooth observance of Ramadan by maintaining stable food prices.

His call reflects periodic efforts to ensure that all believers can observe the fast with ease and without financial strain, asserting that Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer and fasting.

It is also a period where families come together, so it is important that traders support this spirit by ensuring that food prices remain reasonable for people to perform their religious obligations without unnecessary strains, he said.

“Traders must recognise their vital role in facilitating this religious observance.” he said, strongly appealing to traders to participate in the noble endeavour by ensuring the availability of essential products at affordable prices.

In addition to addressing food price concerns, the premier provided an update on the country's food supplies, showing a positive trend.

The 2023/2024 harvest reached 22.8m tonnes of food crops, well above the estimated national requirement of 17.7m tonnes for the 2024/2025 marketing season, he stated.

“The stockpiling efforts have also been successful, with 776,000 tonnes of grains stored across various regions, largely ensuring food security,” he stated.

He emphasised on the need for regional authorities and local governments to fully implement the National Education and Training Policy in line with the country’s evolving needs.

Vocational training schools, which will equip young people with the necessary skills to join the workforce or engage in self-employment are a vital component of this policy, he said.

These policies reflect the vision of transforming education to match technological advancements and the ever-changing needs of the labour market, he said.

He took a moment to acknowledge international recognition received by President Samia, in being awarded the Global Goalkeeper Award by the Gates Foundation.

“The award recognises her efforts in reducing maternal and child mortality and addressing stunting in Tanzania,” he stated, underlining that maternal mortality had decreased by 80 percent, from 556 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022.

Those living in drought-prone areas need to take precautionary measures by planting early maturing crops and managing food supplies effectively to ensure ample reserves throughout the year, he added.