TOSCI warns against fraudulent seed dealers

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) has warned that it will take action against anyone deceiving farmers or engaging in fraudulent activities.

Speaking in Morogoro yesterday, TOSCI Director General, Mr Nyasebwa Chimagu, said that the institute’s primary responsibility is to verify the quality of seeds before they reach farmers.

“We have the responsibility to control and inspect those who sell farmers substandard seeds that do not meet the required standards,” Mr Chimagu said.

He added, “We inspect shops across the country to ensure that seed products in the market comply with the law and have been certified by us.”

Mr Chimagu said TOSCI also inspects factories and warehouses, working closely with regional and district commissioners, council directors and agricultural officers who act as authorised inspectors at the council level.

“I insist and continue to say that anyone deceiving farmers or attempting to do so will be arrested. Farmers should continue trusting their government,” he stressed.

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Mr Chimagu noted that farmers who fail to use quality seeds risk losses in the field due to pests and diseases. He explained that one of the key advantages of certified seeds is resistance to various pests and diseases.

“If you do not use quality seeds, your crops are exposed to attacks from pests and diseases,” he said.

He added that TOSCI is implementing a project worth 3.6bn/- to establish additional modern seed laboratories in Mtwara, Tabora and Mwanza. The project aims to simplify seed verification and quality control services and match the pace set by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

“Because the government has allocated funds for this project, we are increasing laboratories and experts according to the existing needs to ensure the availability of quality seeds in the country,” Mr Chimagu said.

Meanwhile, TOSCI Director of Evaluation and Trials, Ms Matengia Swai, explained that no new seed variety can be used unless it is registered in the national seed catalogue.

“In registering a seed variety, we ensure it passes both distinctiveness and performance trials. Our researchers are stationed in various locations to conduct these tests,” Ms Swai said.

She added, “Before a new seed variety is used by farmers, we must verify its uniqueness. The registration process takes one season, with distinctiveness and performance tests conducted sequentially. Once registered, a portion of the seeds is stored in our laboratory for future market testing.”

TOSCI Director of the Seed Certification Department, Ms Norah Lymo, said seed quality assurance involves several steps, including registering seed producers.

“All seed producers must be registered by TOSCI. This allows us to know where seeds are produced, the production capacity and the quantity produced. We record this data to determine national seed availability at the end of the season,” Ms Lymo said.