Tanzania is aiming to boost its crop export value from $2.3 billion to $6 billion by 2030 through enhanced agricultural strategies, according to Dr. Nyasebwa Chimagu, Director of Crop Development at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Speaking at a workshop on seed system digitization organized by the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Dr. Chimagu highlighted plans to increase productivity, improve irrigation, and strengthen the seed system. The government has allocated over 80 billion Tanzanian shillings to support high-quality seed production and 400 billion shillings for irrigation improvements.
Other measures include enhancing extension services and expanding food storage capacity from 0.5 million tonnes to 3 million tonnes by 2030. Tanzania’s grain adequacy currently stands at 128%, close to the 130% target for national food security.
Efforts are also underway to expand local seed gene banks, which conserve plant varieties for future use. “Gene banks provide a platform for breeding resilient and nutritious crops,” Dr. Chimagu said.
Experts like Lilian Gichuru from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) advocate adopting digital seed systems to improve stakeholder efficiency and attract youth to the agriculture sector.
TARI Director General, Dr. Thomas Bwana, noted progress in digitizing seed systems, such as pre-ordering early-generation seeds for dry-land crops, aiming to advance agricultural innovation in Tanzania.
