Summary
The Government has directed officials from the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) in all councils to designate special areas for seed production in order to increase domestic output.
DODOMA: Tanzania has unveiled ambitious new plans to strengthen its seed sector, enhance food security and reduce dependence on imported seeds through the launch of the National Seed Sector Development Plan (2026–2030) and the National Seed System Investment Plan (2026–2030).
Launching the two strategic frameworks during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of seed stakeholders in Dodoma, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Mr David Silinde, said the government is determined to transform the country’s seed industry into a strong foundation for agricultural productivity and economic growth.
Mr Silinde urged seed-producing companies to invest in the development of drought-resistant and disease-tolerant seed varieties capable of adapting to Tanzania’s diverse climatic conditions.
“We call upon all seed companies and the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) to ensure that all imported seeds meet the required quality standards and that counterfeit seeds do not reach our farmers,” he stressed.
The deputy minister also directed officials from the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) in all councils to designate special areas for seed production in order to increase domestic output.
He cited Tanganyika District as a model, noting that the district has already allocated 17,000 hectares specifically for seed production activities.
Mr Silinde further instructed regional and district security committees to strengthen surveillance on seeds entering the country and intensify efforts to curb the circulation of counterfeit agricultural inputs in local markets.
In a move aimed at improving farmers’ productivity, he also appealed to financial institutions to provide affordable loans to farmers, enabling them to invest in irrigation systems and agro-processing ventures.
The deputy minister additionally called on development partners to continue supporting Tanzania’s seed sector to ensure adequate production of high-quality seeds capable of meeting the country’s growing demand.
Earlier, a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Mohamed Chikawe, urged seed producers to intensify research and innovation to improve seed quality and availability, describing quality seeds as a key pillar for increasing agricultural productivity.
Presenting the strategic plans to stakeholders, Professor David Nyange emphasized the importance of stronger coordination among seed producers to guarantee continuous production of safe, reliable and quality seeds.
He noted that sustainable food security largely depends on the availability, accessibility and affordability of quality seeds across the country.
Professor Nyange added that the successful implementation of the new plans would significantly contribute to agricultural transformation, industrial development and national economic growth.
