WMA Highlights Its Role in the Agriculture Sector

Acting Director of Technical Services at the Weights and Measures Agency (WMA), Albogast Kajungu (center), poses for a photo with WMA staff participating in the National Farmers’ Exhibition NaneNane (2024) in Dodoma. WMA is providing education to agricultural stakeholders and the public on the use of accurate measurements.

Albogast Kajungu, Acting Director of Technical Services at the Weights and Measures Agency (WMA), has emphasized the significant contribution of WMA to the agriculture sector, particularly in strategic crops such as cashew nuts, sesame, coffee, tobacco, and cotton.

Speaking on August 3, 2024, during a press conference at the National Agricultural Exhibition, popularly known as NaneNane, held at the Nzunguni grounds in Dodoma, Kajungu outlined WMA's crucial role in ensuring that the scales used for purchasing these crops are accurately verified.

"Our goal is to ensure that farmers receive fair value for their produce," Kajungu explained.

He further detailed that the verification process occurs in two phases: the first phase involves checking scales before each crop season begins, while the second phase involves surprise inspections during the season to ensure that the previously verified scales are being used correctly.

"Therefore, before the season begins, we inspect all scales used for purchasing crops, and during the season, we perform checks to confirm that the verified scales are functioning correctly," Kajungu said.

In addition to inspections, WMA also educates farmers and the public about the characteristics of verified scales. Kajungu highlighted one key feature of verified scales: the presence of a WMA sticker showing the date of verification and the expiration date of the sticker.

"So, when citizens see that sticker, they can be assured that the scale has been verified by the Weights and Measures Agency," Kajungu emphasized.

Kajungu also addressed packaging regulations for farm produce, noting that packaging produce in weights exceeding 100 kilograms is considered illegal, a practice sometimes misunderstood as merely adding extra padding.

He urged farmers and the public to understand that all farm produce must be packaged within the legal weight limit of 100 kilograms.

Reiterating the importance of adhering to measurement laws, Kajungu stressed the need for agricultural purchase points to be equipped with verified scales to ensure fair trade for both sellers and buyers.

Communication and Public Relations Manager at the Weights and Measures Agency (WMA), Veronica Simba, educating attendees on the use of accurate measurements at the National Agricultural Exhibition NaneNane (2024) in Dodoma.

Weights and Measures Agency experts are participating in the National NaneNane Exhibition in Dodoma and in regional exhibitions across the country to provide education to agriculture stakeholders and the general public.