Tanzanian maize farmers to benefit from subsidized seeds starting September

TANZANIA—Starting in September, maize farmers in Tanzania will benefit from subsidized maize seeds, a move aimed at alleviating the financial burden ahead of the planting season.

Hussein Bashe, Minister for Agriculture, made this announcement during a meeting with President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Tunduma, Songwe.

“The reduction in maize seed prices through subsidies aims to ease financial burdens on farmers and enhance crop production. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure food security and sustainability in Tanzania,” Minister Bashe said.

The maize seed subsidies complement the fertilizer subsidies introduced in the 2023/2024 season, which have helped lower input prices and boost maize production.

This announcement follows the government’s recent decision to increase maize purchase prices through the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to 700/- (US$0.30) per kilogram, up from 600/- (US$0.26), as directed by President Samia earlier in the week.

Minister Bashe addressed disparities in maize prices across regions, noting that in Momba, maize is sold at 40,000/- (US$21.28)  per 100-kilogram sack, while in Tunduma, prices range between 50,000/-  (US$$21.28) and 52,000/- (US$$22.13).

The NFRA will begin purchasing maize at a standardized price of 70,000/- (US$29.79) per 100-kilogram sack starting next week to address these discrepancies.

“We are committed to ensuring fair compensation for our farmers. By standardizing prices and introducing seed subsidies, we support farmers and promote a stable agricultural sector,” said Bashe.

This initiative follows President Samia’s directives during her three-day tour in Rukwa, where she inaugurated several development projects. Farmers in the region had complained about low maize prices.

The government also aims to curb illegal maize smuggling to neighboring Zambia, where prices are more attractive. Minister Bashe urged farmers to utilize official channels, assuring them that subsidized prices provide sufficient incentives without resorting to illegal trade.

In addition to seed subsidies, the government plans to extend fertilizer subsidies until the 2025/26 agricultural season to bolster production and secure food supplies.

The Minister revealed that an operation to shut down factories producing counterfeit seeds in Mlowo will commence soon, tackling economic sabotage.

To streamline payments, the NFRA will implement digital scales and ensure direct payment to farmers within seven to 14 days. Small-scale traders are permitted to purchase maize in villages but must not offer less than 600 shillings per kilogram, ensuring fair trade practices.

Future plans include constructing large warehouses in Kakozi and expanding irrigation capacity in Songwe to 50,000 hectares by 2025/26. Minister Bashe also cautioned against fertilizer smuggling, citing ongoing investigations into major cases.

Minister for Works, Innocent Bashungwa, highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects during the stopover, mentioning that several roads are still awaiting inauguration.

He noted that El Niño rains had caused significant damage to infrastructure, and the government had allocated substantial funds for repairs.

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