MWE Correspondent
The Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), led by its Director General, Nyasebwa Chimagu, has conducted a working visit to Iringa Region to assess the current status and future prospects of potato seed production in the country.
The visit involved tours of companies engaged in potato seed production, where the TOSCI delegation inspected seed production farms and observed activities being carried out by investors in the sector.
During the visit, Chimagu and TOSCI experts also held discussions with investors on challenges affecting potato seed production, available opportunities and strategies to strengthen the production of high-quality seeds in Tanzania.
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One of the potato seed investors, Feico Born, commended TOSCI for visiting their operations, saying the tour had provided an important opportunity for producers to present their challenges directly and receive timely clarification and responses from the relevant authorities.
Speaking during the visit, Chimagu praised the investors for their efforts in expanding potato seed production and stressed the importance of investing in quality seeds to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food security in the country.
He said the availability of reliable and high-quality seeds remains a critical factor in supporting farmers, increasing crop yields and promoting a more productive agricultural sector.
The visit to Iringa forms part of TOSCI’s efforts to engage directly with stakeholders in the seed industry and identify practical measures to address challenges facing seed producers.
Through closer cooperation between regulatory institutions, investors and producers, Tanzania aims to strengthen its seed production systems and ensure farmers have greater access to certified and quality planting materials.
Investment in improved potato seeds is also expected to contribute to increased production, better yields and the continued growth of the agricultural sector, while supporting the country’s broader efforts to enhance food security.
