Seed production rises to 4,510 tonnes

OVER the past three years, the production of seeds in the country has continued to improve, increasing to 4,510 tonnes in the 2023/2024 Financial Year (FY) from 3,034.4 tonnes in the 2020/2021.

Agricultural Seed Agency’s (ASA) Acting Managing Director, Mr Leo Mavika highlighted the country’s progress in seed production while briefing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock’s members during their visit at Msimba Seed Farm in Kilosa District, Morogoro recently.

Furthermore, he reported a notable increase in revenue, to 4.9bn/- from 2.7bn/- in the corresponding period.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, Trade, Agriculture, and Livestock, Mr Deodatus Mwanyika urged the government to continue investing in agricultural mechanization to enhance production of quality seeds.

“The government should invest in irrigation infrastructure to increase production of high quality seeds,” Mr Mwanyika   said.

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Also, he called on the Ministry of Agriculture to collaborate with the private sector in ensuring all seed farms are effectively utilized for production.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mr David Silinde said the ministry will implement all the directives put forth by the committee to boost seed production in the country