By Matukio Daima Media, Njombe
A total of 50 Quality Declared Seed (QDS/UMBEGU) producers have received a special two-day training aimed at enhancing their skills and capacity in the production of high-quality bean and rice seeds.
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The training is being conducted in Makambako Town, Njombe Region, and is delivered by the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) with funding from the World Food Programme (WFP) through the Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA) programme.
Participants in the training come from various areas of the Southern Highlands Zone, including the districts of Kilolo, Mufindi, Wanging’ombe, Njombe, Iringa, Mbarali and Mbeya DC.
The participation of farmers from different locations highlights the importance of this training in strengthening quality seed production in a zone that is highly relied upon for food crop production in the country.
The main objective of the training is to empower farmer service providers—particularly Quality Declared Seed producers—to produce seeds that meet nationally accepted standards, are of high quality, easily accessible and affordable to smallholder farmers.
Through this programme, farmers are expected to benefit from access to quality seeds closer to their communities, thereby increasing productivity and efficiency on their farms.
Speaking during the opening of the training, the FtMA–Nafaka Kilimo Iringa Coordinator, Moses Logan, said the training is part of FtMA–Nafaka Kilimo Iringa’s continued efforts to build the capacity of farmers and agricultural sector stakeholders.
He explained that the FtMA programme focuses on linking farmers to markets, inputs and modern knowledge in order to improve the entire agricultural value chain.
“This two-day training taking place here in Makambako is part of FtMA’s broader strategy to empower farmers and seed producers with in-depth knowledge on quality seed production.
Through this training, we expect to see increased production of quality bean and rice seeds that will benefit many more farmers,” said Logan.
On his part, TOSCI expert and Seed Inspector, Laurent Mfagavo, explained that the training covers key technical issues, including procedures for registration and certification of Quality Declared Seeds, selection of suitable fields for seed production, control of pests and diseases, as well as proper harvesting, storage and distribution of seeds without compromising quality.
He emphasized that adherence to established rules and standards is essential to ensure that produced seeds are reliable and trusted by farmers.
Some participants stated that the training has given them new hope in their farming activities. Rice farmer Oscar Joseph Budu from Manienga Village, Mbarali District, said the training will enable him to produce quality seed and sell it to other farmers in his area.
“Through this training, I have learned best practices in rice seed production. This knowledge will not only help me increase my income but also help fellow farmers access quality seeds more easily,” said Budu.
Bean farmer Veronica Lukenda from Manga Village, Wanging’ombe District, said it was her first time to attend such training.
She explained that previously she had been farming beans without professional knowledge of quality seed production. “I have never received training like this before. Today is a great opportunity for me to gain skills that will help increase production, income, and contribute to improving my family’s economy,” said Veronica.
The training is expected to act as a catalyst for development among farmers and seed producers in the targeted areas, as it will increase the availability of quality seeds produced within communities.
This will reduce seed costs, increase crop productivity, and contribute to strengthening food and nutrition security.
Overall, the Quality Declared Seed producers’ training taking place in Makambako demonstrates strong collaboration between the government, international organizations and farmers in advancing the agricultural sector.
Through investment in farmers’ education and skills, Tanzania continues to take important steps toward productive, competitive agriculture that makes a significant contribution to national economic development.
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