TFS, Finland, in joint bid to improve the quality of tree seeds

IRINGA: THE Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), in collaboration with local and international institutions, has begun the process of enhancing the production of quality tree seeds to promote industrial forests and preserve the environment.

This was revealed during a tour of the TFS Seed Directorate and its international partners: FORLAND Tanzania, TAPIO from Finland, and the Tanzania Forestry Graduates Association (TTGAU) at the Sao Hill Tree Farm located in Iringa Region.

Speaking during the visit, the Chief Conservator of TFS, Dr. Fortunate Senya, said the main objective is to ensure that quality tree seeds such as eucalyptus and pine are produced at national and international standards, to serve industrial tree plantations and bring economic and environmental productivity.

“We have seen how the improved tree seedlings are growing successfully in the Irundi nursery. This is an important step towards ensuring quality seeds, especially for fields that need to be restored after harvesting,” said Dr. Senya.

During the visit, the team also visited the Second Division of Shamba Ihefu, where they inspected a special eucalyptus seed production farm.

The experts noted the successes as well as the challenges that are emerging, while emphasizing the need to put in place effective strategies before establishing other new seed production farms.

In addition, the stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by TFS in protecting the farms against fire disasters especially during the dry season, which they described as an important part of sustainable forest management.

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According to TFS, Sao Hill tree farm is among the farms benefiting from quality seeds produced by the institution’s centers through strategic partnerships with conservation stakeholders. The seeds are also used to reduce dependence on natural forests and help adapt to climate change.

For their part, representatives of TAPIO Finland and FORLAND have said that Tanzania has a great opportunity to become a leader in the production of quality seeds in Africa, if emphasis is placed on research, technology and participatory management.