By Zephania Ubwani

Arusha. Seed dealers are urging the government to set aside enough land for the production of improved seeds.

They said failure to introduce a land banking system specifically for the purpose was a drawback for the seed sector. “We have land for industrial parks, for construction of shopping malls and skyscrapers but not for seed production,” lamented Mr Bob Shuma, the executive director of Tanzania Seed Traders Association (Tasta). He said the concept of land banks should be introduced in the agricultural production system as it was key in attracting investors. With increased the use of hybrid seeds by smallholder and commercial farmers alike, the demand has gone up yet local production cannot meet the demand.