Good news for farmers as Tanzania-Netherlands partner to boost horticulture and seed potato production

The initiative has resulted in the creation of the Tanzania Horticulture and Potato Seed Platform, with technical guidance from Dr Mohammed Hassena, Project Manager of Ethiopia-Netherlands Seed Platform. Dr Hassena's expertise was instrumental in shaping the comprehensive terms of reference (ToR) for the Tanzania platform. The platform's formation is a result of extensive discussions involving key horticulture and seed potatoes players in the Tanzania seed industry, who approved its structure and objectives.

Tanzania Horticulture and Potato Seed Platform (THPSP)

The newly established Tanzania Horticulture and Potato Seed Platform is a game-changer for the seed industry. This central hub acts as a valuable resource for all things related to horticultural and seed potatoes, from seeds and cuttings to seedlings and other plant materials. Beyond information dissemination, it also serves as a catalyst for creating opportunities and finding solutions to policy and regulatory challenges.

The platform is overseen by TASTA and managed by TAHA, with support from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for its initial two years. The platform includes seven key members, namely the Ministry of Agriculture, Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), TAHA, TASTA, World Vegetable Centre, SAGCOT Centre, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The platform's structure comprises three working groups, each focusing on specific areas such as indigenous vegetable seeds, imported vegetable seeds for local consumption, and seed production for export markets. This division of labor ensures efficient problem-solving and targeted responses within the platform, making it a powerful force in Tanzania's seed industry.

Key highlights of the launch event

On October 4, 2023, TAHA and TASTA marked a milestone in the launch of Tanzania Horticulture and Potato Seed Platform at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Arusha. Mr Nyasebwa Enock Chimagu, Director of Crop Development, represented the Ministry of Agriculture at this significant event.

The platform's inauguration saw seven key sector actors coming together to drive the sustainable and competitive seed sector through knowledge sharing, innovation, joint programmes, and partnerships. The launch was a symbolic moment during which platform members affixed their signatures to the platform's signature board.

This gesture marked the inauguration of the platform, emphasizing commitment to revitalize Tanzania's horticulture seed industry. Among others, the importance of ICT and digitalization, particularly the transition from paper certificates to electronic messages, was highlighted to enhance efficiency and promote smoother agricultural international trade from Tanzania.

In his opening address, Mr Bob Shuma, the chairman of the platform, highlighted primary objectives of the initiative. The platform aims at fostering collaboration, sharing information, and addressing challenges in potato and horticultural seed sectors. 

It seeks to enhance the competitiveness of stakeholders regionally and internationally. Mr Shuma also encouraged partners like the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to support the platform's efforts in creating local opportunities, generating employment, ensuring food security, increasing incomes, and promoting sustainable government investments. Mr Ngwediagi, a THPS platform member affirmed TOSCI's commitment to ensure seed quality, both local and imported.

“With arable land for food production, geographically well positioned, already underway in becoming the food basket of the region. I foresee that Tanzania will become a global agricultural superpower and maybe bypass us, the Netherlands, within the foreseeable future if use of quality seeds for efficiency and productivity is adopted” - Wiebe de Boer , Ambassador, Embassy of the Netherlands (Dar es Salaam)

Message from the Guest of Honor

Mr Nyasebwa Enock Chimagu praised the strategic initiatives of the Platform and their alignment with the National Horticulture Development Strategy 2021-2031. Mr Chimagu emphasized the importance of open dialogue in achieving common interests in line with the Ministry of Agriculture's goals.

What should the sector expect from this platform?

Gabriel Rugalema, World Vegetable Centre's Regional Director, emphasized the platform's core mission stands as an invaluable advisory resource for the government, facilitating informed decision-making. Under TAHA's secretariat, it provides a forum for seed stakeholders to address sector-enabling issues, fostering dialogue and advising the Ministry of Agriculture effectively through information accessibility, learning and proactive government commitment to agriculture. He urged collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to develop a comprehensive National Horticulture and Seed Potato Programme, leveraging collective expertise for sustainable progress.

More information about the event

• Pictures impression of the event: https://mega.nz/folder/gMYCDQpC#62PH9EfnnP1_Bk2Qmei3xg

• The Guardian: https://www.ippmedia.com/en/news/netherlands-taha-set-horticulture-seeds-platform#:~:text=THE%20Netherlands%20Embassy%20and%20Tanzania,high%20value%20crops%20seed%20industry.
• The Citizen: https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/why-tanzania-could-be-global-agriculture-superpower-4394230
• Daily News: https://dailynews.co.tz/horticulture-potato-platform-to-spur-seed-industry/#:~:text=Dubbed%2C%20Tanzania%20Horticulture%20and%20Potato,Tanzania%20Horticultural%20Association%20(TAHA)

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