Tanzania rolls out new seed sector plans

DODOMA: Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Mr David Silinde, has launched the National Seed Sector Development Plan (2026–2030) and the National Seed System Investment Plan (2026–2030), aimed at boosting local seed production and reducing dependence on imports.

Speaking during the annual general meeting (AGM) of seed stakeholders in Dodoma on Thursday (May 28, 2026), Mr Silinde urged companies involved in seed production to develop drought-resistant and disease-tolerant seed varieties suitable for different climatic conditions in the country.

“I urge all companies and the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) to ensure that all imported seeds meet high quality standards and to prevent counterfeit seeds from reaching farmers,” he said.

Mr Silinde also directed officials from the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) in all councils to allocate special areas for seed production, citing Tanganyika District, which has set aside 17,000 hectares for the activity, as a good example.

He further instructed regional and district security committees to closely monitor seeds entering the country and prevent counterfeit products from penetrating the market.

The deputy minister also called on financial institutions to provide affordable loans to farmers to enable investment in irrigation systems and agro-processing activities.

He appealed to development partners to continue supporting the seed sector to ensure the production of sufficient, high-quality seeds to meet national demand.

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Earlier, a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Mohamed Chikawe, urged seed producers to continue conducting research to improve the quality and availability of seeds as a key driver of agricultural productivity.

Presenting the strategic plan to stakeholders, Professor David Nyange emphasized the need to strengthen coordination among seed producers to ensure the continued production of safe and quality seeds that will support food security, industrial growth and agricultural development.

Professor Nyange noted that food security depends on the availability, accessibility and affordability of quality seeds across the country.