TOSCI registers 4.6 million farmers in maize seeds subsidy scheme

DODOMA: A TOTAL of 4.6 million farmers across the country have so far registered to the national maize seed subsidy scheme, the helpful initiative championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to boost production of the staple food crop in Tanzania.

The timely programme, launched last agricultural season, has been tailored to roll out maize varieties and fertiliser to small- scale farmers in the country at subsidised prices, through the National Agricultural Input Voucher Scheme (NAIVS) with the goal of increasing food crop production.

Director General (DG) of the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), Nyasebwa Chimagu told the “Daily News’ in an interview that the state- owned institute was working to sensitise more farmers to register.

“The target, as set by the Ministry of Agriculture is to register at least 7 million farmers thus, we have a task ahead to sensitise more farmers to register,” he said. As of 2024/2025, the programme includes direct subsidies on improved maize seeds and fertilisers, with the goal of boosting the agricultural sector’s contribution to the economy and improving food security.

According to Chimagu, the subsidised maize varieties being rolled out to the farmers under the programme include the Open-Pollinated Varieties (OPVs), the Early-Maturing and Medium-Maturing Hybrid Seeds, as well as the Late-Maturing Hybrid Seeds.

“In cooperation with the parent ministry, we’re working to have more farmers registered so that they can benefit, not only from the subsidised maize seeds and fertiliser, but the programme enables the farmers to be linked to key more services for boosting their production and productivity,” the DG noted.

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This programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure that quality seeds are accessible to farmers, thereby enhancing crop resilience, increasing yields and improving food security nationwide.

The subsidy programme aims to reduce the financial burden on smallholder farmers, encourage the adoption of certified seeds and minimise the use of uncertified seeds, which are often linked to low yields and vulnerability to pests and diseases.

Tanzania is the secondlargest maize producer in Africa, achieving a record output of 11.7 million tonnes in the 2023/24 season, a significant increase from previous years.

This growth is driven by government efforts in fertiliser subsidies, mechanisation and improved market infrastructure, positioning Tanzania as a key player in regional food security.

While smallholder farmers produce the vast majority of the crop, the country is also investing in advanced techniques and improved seeds varieties to further boost productivity