TOSCI seizes suspected fake maize seeds
TABORA: THE Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) has seized more than one tonne of suspected counterfeit Dekalb 777 maize seeds in Tabora Region in an operation aimed at protecting farmers from poorquality agricultural inputs.
The seeds were seized from an agro-input shop, alongside other stocks suspected to have been destined for distribution to different areas. The operation was conducted overnight during a special seed quality inspection exercise.
TOSCI Lake and Western Zones Manager, Mr Ayoub Mshema, said the seeds raised suspicion after inspectors discovered that they lacked identification marks and quality certification issued by the institute.
“The seeds raised suspicion because they lacked identification marks and quality certification issued by TOSCI,” Mr Mshema said.
He urged agricultural input dealers to ensure they purchase and sell only legally approved seeds, warning that strict action would be taken against those involved in trading substandard products.
Mr Mshema said the seized seeds would undergo further examination to establish their authenticity and quality.
The trader found selling the seeds, Mr Richard Bidaniel, said he had purchased them from suppliers without knowing they could have quality defects.
“I bought the seeds from suppliers without knowing that they could have defects,” he said.
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He acknowledged the need to exercise greater caution when verifying the quality and legality of agricultural products before purchasing them for resale.
Some farmers in Tabora welcomed the operation, saying the sale of substandard seeds had been causing them financial losses through poor harvests.
They called on TOSCI to sustain inspections to protect farmers from traders dealing in uncertified seeds.
In a further development, the seized seeds and the trader linked to their sale were handed over to the Tabora Regional Police for investigation and further legal action.
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