Tanzania Strengthens Fight Against Fake Seeds as Quality Seed Demand Reaches 127,650 Tons in 2025/26

The Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, has directed the Tanzania Seed Quality Control Institute (TOSCI) to collaborate with the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in controlling the sale and distribution of fake seeds in Tanzania.

Bashe issued the directive on August 22, 2025, in Dodoma while inaugurating the new Board of Directors of TOSCI.

He noted that fake seeds remain a major obstacle to farmers and agricultural development in Tanzania. He stressed that TOSCI and PCCB must strengthen cooperation to identify those involved and take strict legal action.

Bashe also instructed the new TOSCI Board to work with the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA), and the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) to establish joint strategies aimed at increasing productivity and production in the seed industry.

The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Agriculture David Silinde, Deputy Permanent Secretary Athumani Kilundumya, and other ministry officials and experts.

Bashe emphasized that collaboration among key agricultural institutions is essential to secure farmers from fraudulent practices and to ensure the seed sector contributes effectively to national food security.

Seed Demand and Supply in Tanzania

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the annual demand for quality seeds in Tanzania is projected at 127,650 tons in 2025/2026.

Domestic production of quality seeds is expected to grow from 63,526.54 tons to 90,000 tons.

The availability of quality seeds in the market is projected to rise from 79,700.62 tons to 105,000 tons in the same period.