TOSCI Registers 4.6 Million Farmers In National Maize Seeds Subsidy Scheme

👉 The Target, As Set By The Ministry Of Agriculture Is To Register At least 7 Million Farmers

👉 Tanzania Is The Second-Largest Maize Producer In Africa, Achieving A Record Output Of 11.7 Million Tonnes In The 2023/24 Season.

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

Giving an exclusive interview to SEMA NEWS, the Director General (DG) of the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), Mr Nyasebwa Chimagu said the state- owned institute was working to sensitize more farmers to register.

“The target, as set by the Ministry of Agriculture is to register at least 7 million farmers thus, we have task ahead to sensitize more farmers to register,” he said.

As of 2024/2025, the program includes direct subsidies on improved maize seeds and fertilizers, with the goal of boosting the agricultural sector’s contribution to the economy and improving food security.

According to Mr Chimagu, the subsidized maize varieties being rolled out to the farmers under the program 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 subsidized maize seeds and fertilizer, but the program enables the farmers to be linked to key more services for boosting their production and productivity,” the DG noted.

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

Tanzania is the second-largest 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 fertilizer subsidies, mechanization, 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.

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Valentine Oforo

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