TOSCI unveils plan to transform seed sector

DODOMA: TANZANIA plans to increase the supply of certified seed to 105,000 tonnes this financial year as part of efforts to transform agriculture, strengthen food security and position the country among Africa’s leading food producers.

The target represents an increase from 78,842 tonnes supplied in the previous year, with the government seeking to expand investment in the seed industry, increase production of priority crops and improve quality control to ensure farmers access high-quality planting materials.

The Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) Director General, Mr Nyasebwa Chimagu, announced the plans yesterday in Dodoma while presenting the institute’s performance and future strategies.

He said the initiative supports the government’s ambition under Development Vision 2050 to make Tanzania one of Africa’s major food producers and among the world’s top 10 food-producing nations.

“We will strengthen stakeholder training to increase production of quality seed that meets national and international standards while working with both the public and private sectors to attract investment into the seed industry,” Mr Chimagu said.

He said TOSCI would expand practical training programmes for university students and graduates through vocational education initiatives to equip young people, especially women and youths, with skills for employment and entrepreneurship in the seed sector.

The institute will also work with regional and district authorities to secure land for seed production farms as part of efforts to reduce reliance on imported seed and increase domestic production capacity.

Priority crops under the strategy include maize, rice, wheat, sunflower, sesame, sorghum, soybean, beans, cotton, coffee, cashew nuts, sisal, horticultural crops, fruits, spices and pasture seed.

Mr Chimagu said certified seed production had increased by 55.35 per cent, rising from 50,750 tonnes in 2021/22 to 78,842 tonnes in 2025/26.

ALSO READ: COSTECH highlights the protection of youth innovation rights

Of the total supply last year, 45,101 tonnes (57.2 per cent) were produced locally by the Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) and private companies, while 33,741 tonnes (42.8 per cent) were imported.

He said TOSCI had intensified inspections in collaboration with regional and district authorities and security agencies to combat counterfeit seed, which affects farmers’ productivity.

During the 2025/26 financial year, 22 offenders were prosecuted or subjected to legal action, including court proceedings, fines and compensation to farmers affected by fake seed products.

The institute also registered 113 new seed varieties during the year, increasing the number of approved varieties in Tanzania to 1,318 after successful research and certification processes.

Mr Chimagu said government support through improved seed programmes had contributed to increased agricultural production, citing the supply of 42,850 tonnes of certified maize seed worth 333.28bn/- to farmers nationwide under the subsidy programme.

The government provided 68.75bn/- in subsidies, while farmers contributed 264.54bn/-.

He said increased use of improved seed had helped Tanzania achieve 130 per cent food self-sufficiency after producing 23.78 million tonnes of food crops during the 2024/25 season, generating a surplus of more than 5.5 million tonnes.