Tanzania salutes Dutch investors in seed for its revolutionised industry

THURSDAY June 19, 2025

By Adam Ihucha

The Tranquility News Correspondent, Tanzania

Tanzania has extolled the Dutch investors for playing a central role in the development of its seed industry.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Gerald Mweli, said through partnerships with Dutch institutions and companies, the country had witnessed a remarkable growth in seed production, particularly for vegetables.

Inaugurating a maiden vegetable breeders’ forum meant for exchanging ideas and experience held at the World Vegetable Centre on the outskirts of Arusha, Mr Mweli registered the government’s gratitude to the Dutch investors in seed the industry before the outgoing Netherlands Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Wiebe de Boer.

In his speech read by the Ministry of Agriculture official, Mr Philbert Philemon, the PS said owing to the Dutch investors, the country had seen increased productivity through access to hybrid and improved seed varieties.

“We have observed a robust transfer of modern agricultural technologies and practices to Tanzanian farmers, knowledge and skills exchange between local and international breeders, creation of decent jobs, especially for youth and women, in farming, processing and distribution,” he noted.

The PS also cited growth in agricultural exports and foreign exchange earnings, enhanced food and nutrition security, and overall improved livelihoods and resilience of smallholder farmers, as the Dutch investors’ impact.

We have observed a robust transfer of modern agricultural technologies and practices to Tanzanian farmers, knowledge and skills exchange between local and international breeders, creation of decent jobs, especially for youth and women, in farming, processing and distribution,” the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Gerald Mweli.

TAHA data shows that between 2023 and 2024, Tanzania’s vegetable seed export industry experienced remarkable growth, both in terms of volume and value.

The country saw an impressive 348 per cent increase in export volume, from 266.6 tonnes to a substantial 1,195.584 tonnes. This growth was mirrored financially, as the value of exports surged by 229 per cent, escalating from $23.09 million to $76.01 million.

The shift in export dynamics is also notable in the changing landscape of top export destinations.

In 2023, the Netherlands was the largest importer, accounting for over half of Tanzania’s vegetable seeds at 53.19 per cent, followed by Italy and Egypt.

This transformation suggests not only a broader international demand but also a strategic pivot in trade relations and market penetration, highlighting Tanzania’s expanding footprint in the global agricultural sector.

Mr Mweli said the government recognised that a strong and resilient seed industry in the foundation of a thriving agricultural economy.

As such, he said, the government had invested significantly in the development, regulation, and promotion of the seed industry, with focus on research, innovation and public-private partnerships.

“We are continuously reviewing policies and regulatory frameworks to create a more enabling environment for seed importation, exportation, local multiplication and distribution. The government remains committed to improving turnaround times and transparency in seed registration and variety release,” Mr Mweli said.

On the regional and international market access, the PS said Tanzania was actively participating in regional harmonisation efforts under SADC and EAC seed protocols, enabling seamless cross-border trade and collaboration on seed testing and certification.

“The government stands committed to work hand in hand with all actors –breeders, researchers, private companies and development partners to unlock the full potential of seed industry.

He appreciated all platform members, particularly Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), Tanzania Seed Trade Association (TASTA), the Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (AGCOT), the World Vegetable Center, the Embassy of Netherlands in Tanzania, and Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) for their valuable partnership and contributions to the development of the seed industry.

On her part, the TAHA CEO, Dr Jacqueline Mkindi registered her earnest appreciation to the outgoing Netherlands Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr de Boer, for his unwavering support and partnership in strengthening Tanzania’s agricultural sector, specifically the horticulture industry.

We are continuously reviewing policies and regulatory frameworks to create a more enabling environment for seed importation, exportation, local multiplication and distribution. The government remains committed to improving turnaround times and transparency in seed registration and variety release,” the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Gerald Mweli.

We are continuously reviewing policies and regulatory frameworks to create a more enabling environment for seed importation, exportation, local multiplication and distribution. The government remains committed to improving turnaround times and transparency in seed registration and variety release,”

“As we celebrate 20 years of TAHA, today’s session is all about seeds. We reflect with gratitude on the seed capital from the Netherlands Government, which laid the foundation for the TAHA journey and success story,” Dr Mkindi explained.

She said the horticultural success story was because of strong partnerships, and that TAHA honoured the spirit of collaboration driving innovation in the seed and horticultural industry.

Dr Mkindi said TAHA remained deeply committed to supporting all horticulture and potato seed stakeholders through evidence-based policy dialogue and advocacy, strengthening public-private partnerships, and promoting regional and international cooperation.

“We will continue championing the agenda for sustainable and competitive seed industry that meets the evolving needs of farmers and markets,” she pledged.

The horticulture trailblazer also revealed that TAHA was organising national horticulture stakeholder’s forum slated for July 2025 in Dar Es Salaam, to deliberate on logistics and cold chains solutions, taxation and fiscal policies, phytosanitary and regulatory compliance, market access with emphasis on Asian markets.

As Chairperson of the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa (HoCEA), Dr Mkindi reaffirmed their commitment to regional solutions, especially ensuring seeds and inputs remained a priority agenda at both national and regional levels.

She also revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with TAHA, was working to identify areas in need of irrigation water to drill boreholes.

“All actors, especially seed breeders, should take up this opportunity by registering through TAHA database for potential borehole drilling support. This is a critical opportunity to improve resilience and productivity,” Dr Mkindi explained.

She encouraged farmers to plant the seeds of transformation for a more food-secure, climate-resilient, and export competitive Tanzania.

The Associate Director General for Africa at the World Vegetable Centre, Dr Gabriel Rugalema, emphasized the crucial role of public-private partnerships in addressing challenges breeders face due to limited resources.

He pointed out that such collaborations enabled breeders to maximise their impact and achieve more with fewer resources.

By leveraging the strengths and capacities of both public and private sectors, these partnerships can foster innovation and efficiency, allowing the agricultural community to meet the growing demands for food security in Africa.

The TASTA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bob Shuma, said the Tanzania seed industry’s success story had its roots in partnership with the Netherlands Embassy in Tanzania as well as Dutch investors and breeders.

“The Netherlands Embassy has successfully maintained public-private-partnership, facilitated scientific exchanges, disseminated information to Dutch investors who brought capital and high-technologies for seed breeding initiatives,” Mr Shuma noted.

On his part, Ambassador de Boer, said Tanzania was already home to Dutch international seed breeding companies that offered high-quality vegetable seeds for both export and local use.

The envoy noted that providing high-quality seeds, contributed to food security, farmer resilience, and economic growth.

“But more than that, they have shown a willingness to share knowledge, to work alongside local breeders, to strengthen local systems, and to co-invest in the future of agriculture in Tanzania. This highlights that the seed sector is a priority for the Dutch government,” he said.

Ambassador de Boer explained that innovation could not be done without the relentless effort and commitment of the emerging, Tanzanian, talents in the breeding industry.

“For the past year, access to quality seed was making a step; however, we still need to do more. Particularly in the integration between public and private sector seed actors.

“Among the key limitations are the relatively small number of skilled vegetable seed breeders and limited platforms for them to share interests and challenges,” he explained.

de Boer added: “I’m informed that 16 seed potato varieties are now registered and approved for commercial use in Tanzania, a clear sign that our efforts are taking hold in the soil.

“This progress would not have been possible without the breeders, researchers, policymakers, and private sector partners investing their time, knowledge, and energy.”Ω