Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) Announces New Subsidized Maize Seed Varieties for Farmers

Dodoma, Tanzania – September 2, 2024: To support maize farmers and boost agricultural productivity, the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) has released an updated list of subsidized maize seed varieties for the 2024 farming season. The announcement, made public today, features 20 newly certified maize seed varieties now eligible for government subsidies under the maize production support scheme.

The list, issued by TOSCI’s Director General, Patrick Ngwediagi, classifies the seeds into three distinct categories based on their growth characteristics:

1. Open-Pollinated Varieties (OPVs) – Suitable for diverse agroecological zones, OPVs are known for their adaptability and lower cost compared to hybrid seeds. The new addition to this category is the SITUKA M2 variety, available at a subsidized price of TZS 7,000 for a 2-kilogram package.
2. Early-Maturing and Medium-Maturing Hybrid Seeds – This category, ideal for areas with shorter growing seasons or less consistent rainfall, includes 15 varieties such as UHS 5350, UH 6305, ZR8643, and TZM 523, all priced at TZS 14,000 for a 2-kilogram pack.
3. Late-Maturing Hybrid Seeds—These varieties are best suited for regions with longer growing seasons and are designed to maximize yields under favorable climatic conditions. New varieties in this category include H6302, ETG M601, and ZMS 720, each priced at TZS 14,500 per 2-kilogram package.

This initiative 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.