Govt warns fake seed dealers

ARUSHA: THE government has warned individuals involved in the production and distribution of fake seeds that they will face action, saying such malpractice exploits farmers and threatens crop production.

Agriculture Minister Daniel Chongolo (pictured) issued the warning when he officially inaugurated the Seed Co Tanzania Seed Processing and Storage Plant at Engorora in Arusha.

Mr Chongolo said farmers who purchase fake seeds lose the time, energy and money invested throughout the farming season, stressing that the government had a responsibility to protect them from the malpractice.

“Fake seeds can force a farmer to spend time, energy and money cultivating and caring for crops, but in the end fail to get the expected results after the seeds fail to germinate, resulting in the loss of an entire farming season,” he said.

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He said the government would continue taking action against people engaged in the illegal seed trade, particularly as the country approaches the farming season, to ensure farmers have access to quality seeds that meet required standards.

Mr Chongolo commended Seed Co for investing in the processing and storage plant, saying the facility would improve timely access to quality seeds, reduce dependence on imported seeds and create employment opportunities for Tanzanians.

He said the government was ready to work with the company to expand domestic seed production by utilising areas with agricultural potential and enabling farmers to produce seeds that could subsequently be processed locally. For his part, Seed Co Group Board Chairman Pear