DUTCH investment is driving remarkable growth in Tanzania's seed industry, particularly in vegetable crops, a senior official asserted yesterday.

Gerald Mweli, the Agriculture permanent secretary, highlighted these advancements at the inaugural vegetable breeders’ forum held at the World Vegetable Center here yesterday.This surge in seed quality and productivity is significantly supporting expanded agricultural exports, strengthening food and nutrition security, while enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers across the country, he said.

Strategic partnerships with Dutch firms and institutions have provided local counterparts with access to cutting-edge hybrid and improved seed varieties, he stated.

These collaborations have boosted yields, enriched knowledge transfer between local and international breeders, creating valuable employment opportunities for youth and women in the farming, processing and distribution sectors, he said.

A vibrant seed industry is pivotal for a thriving agricultural economy, he said, noting that the government prioritizes research, innovation and partnerships.

To sustain this momentum, the government is streamlining seed registration and variety release processes, along with harmonizing seed regulations under specific protocols in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) facilitating smooth cross-border trade and certification, he stated.

This further integrates local stakeholders with regional agricultural markets, where an enabling environment has taken shape thanks to seed import, export, local multiplication and distribution improvements, he elaborated.

He roundly appreciated the work of key partners like TAHA (the Tanzania Horticultural Association), TASTA (the Tanzania Seed Trade Association), AGCOT (the Agricultural Council of Tanzania), the World Vegetable Center, the Netherlands Embassy and TOSCI (Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute) for their critical support.

Dr Jacqueline Mkindi, the TAHA CEO, saluted Ambassador Wiebe de Boer for coordinating the Dutch government's consistent backing, crucial seed-capital grants and long-term support.

"As we celebrate 20 years of TAHA… we reflect with gratitude on the seed capital from the Netherlands government, which laid our foundation," she stated, noting that TAHA, buoyed by strong partnerships, remains committed to advancing innovation through policy dialogue, public-private collaboration, and regional ties.

TAHA was upbeat about its upcoming national horticulture forum in Dar es Salaam next month, expected to focus on vital areas such as logistics, cold chains, taxation, phytosanitary compliance, along with expanding access to lucrative Asian markets.

She also shared plans to collaboratively identify irrigation zones for borehole drilling, inviting breeders to register via TAHA for potential support to boost resilience and output, as part of her work as chairperson of the Horticulture Council for Eastern Africa.

Dr Gabriel Rugalema, the World Vegetable Center associate director for Africa, underscored the crucial role of public-private partnerships in addressing resource limitations faced by breeders.

Bob Shuma, the TASTA CEO, hailed cooperation with the Dutch Embassy and Dutch breeding investors as enabling Tanzania’s seed industry success, where scientific exchanges and capital infusion were critical factors in developing high-tech seed-breeding capabilities.

The outgoing ambassador praised Dutch breeders for providing high-quality vegetable seeds, simultaneously supporting local systems through knowledge-sharing and joint investments.

Up to 16 commercial-quality seed potato varieties are now registered in Tanzania, he said, highlighting the tangible impact of this collaboration. He cautioned that more skilled vegetable breeders are needed, while cooperation between public and private sectors remains critical to sustain this impressive progress.

Tanzania’s seed sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation, significantly accelerated by Dutch expertise, technology investment, policy support and shared commitment. “As the nation moves toward a competitive, climate-resilient and export-ready agriculture system, these strategic collaborations are poised to redefine its agricultural future,” he added.