Tanzania directs agricultural reforms in seed production and cotton procurement

Tanzanian government officials have issued directives to improve agricultural productivity and procurement systems. Deputy Minister of Agriculture David Silinde has called on the Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) to adopt a commercial mindset to serve as a model for seed production companies. ASA is tasked with collaborating with the private sector to achieve a target of 105,000 tons of seed production for the 2026/27 fiscal year, alongside specific production increases for oil crops, wheat, and horticultural products.

In a separate development, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has ordered the Minister of Agriculture to consult with stakeholders and present a proposal for an improved cotton procurement system within one month. This directive follows complaints from farmers regarding the current system. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government aims to find a mechanism that benefits farmers without disrupting production or market prices.