Certified seed use surges
DODOMA: TANZANIA’S push for agricultural self-sufficiency and food security is showing strong progress, with the use of certified improved seeds rising from 50,750 tonnes to 72,031.9 tonnes between the 2021/22 and 2023/24 farming seasons.
The growth is credited to strategic collaboration between the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), the Ministry of Agriculture and various private stakeholders to improve the availability, accessibility, quality control, and utilisation of certified seed varieties nationwide.
Speaking to Daily News, TOSCI Director General Mr Nyasebwa Chimagu said the agency has intensified efforts over the past four years to strengthen the performance of Tanzania’s seed sector, aiming to boost farm productivity, enhance food security, and improve farmer incomes.
“Between 2021/22 and 2023/24, the production of certified seeds increased from 34,799 tonnes to 56,114.5 tonnes, that represents 78 per cent of all certified seeds produced in the country.” Mr Chimagu said
Mr Chimagu said that this progress has been driven by a more supportive policy environment, which has helped attract investment into the seed production sector.
“The government has worked to create a conducive environment that encourages both local and international investors to enter the seed industry,” he said.
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As a result, the total area of land allocated for seed production has expanded dramatically from 10,674 hectares in 2014/15 to 99,885 hectares in 2023/24.
Key to the sector’s success, Mr Chimagu said, has been investment in scientific research and quality control of seed varieties.
The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), has partnered with seed companies to develop new, high-yield, drought-tolerant, and disease-resistant seed varieties.
These advancements have increased access to better-performing seeds for farmers across the country, improving both productivity and resilience to climate and pest challenges.
“We are now able to offer farmers improved varieties that meet today’s agricultural demands,” he said.
TOSCI has also strengthened its seed testing and certification processes to ensure quality assurance for farmers. According to Mr Chimagu, all certified seeds are now required to meet national standards before reaching the market.
In addition, the number of officially registered seed varieties has increased from 431 in 2015/16 to 604 by 2019/20, reflecting both local innovation and better regulatory processes.
TOSCI’s credibility has also gained international traction. Headquartered in Morogoro, the agency is now accredited by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and is part of the OECD Seed Certification Schemes.
This accreditation enables Tanzanian-certified seeds to be exported and recognised globally.
“Tanzania is not only ensuring food security at home but also building potential to feed markets beyond our borders,” Mr Chimagu said.
