Tanzania's strategic grain reserves decreased in February following distribution of relief food to famine-affected areas in the east African country.

The March economic review from the Bank of Tanzania said that the decrease of grain reserves was due to increased distribution of relief food.

The country's strategic grain reserves fell from 76,813 tons in January to 43,593 tons in February.

During February, Tanzania imported 35,539 tons of maize to compensate for the decrease of grain reserves.

"Reflecting the drought-related shortfall in domestic supply, imports of maize continued to increase during February," said the central bank.

The Tanzanian government has waived import duties on maize to encourage traders to import more maize.

A mid-February state survey estimated that 3,764,843 people in 618,816 households in 10 of Tanzania's 26 administrative regions needed 99,676 tons of relief food between February and April prior to the start of the annual long rain season.

Source: Xinhua