THE Government has announced that maize production in the country has increased from 8 million tonnes in the 2022/2023 season to 12.26 million tonnes in 2023/2024.

This was revealed by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for Crop Development, Food Security, and Cooperatives, Dr. Stephen Nindi, during a maize stakeholders’ meeting held yesterday at the Nanenane grounds in Dodoma.

Dr. Nindi stated that the increase represents a 53percent growth, attributing this to the government’s continued investment in the agricultural sector, which has resulted in annual production growth across various regions of the country.

“Maize production is increasing every year in regions where maize farming is dominant. I urge farmers to continue adhering to good agricultural practices,” said Dr. Nindi.

He also commended the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) for their significant efforts in ensuring every crop makes strides in production.

Additionally, he pointed out that approximately 80 percent of maize farmers are small-scale farmers and the government will continue providing education to ensure every farmer practices proper farming techniques with guidance from agricultural extension officers.

He further emphasized that the government will keep improving the agriculture sector in various areas to ensure farmers benefit from their agricultural activities.

Meanwhile, COPRA Director General, Irene Mlola, said one of the authority’s strategic goals is to unite maize farmers to ensure the sector continues to grow and meets market demands across different regions.

Mlola added that the government’s responsibility is to regulate cereals and mixed crops to ensure farmers cultivate and harvest quality produce, which is also marketable.

On his part, the Director General of the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), Nyasebwa Chimagu, said the government is fully prepared to ensure farmers access certified seeds to boost production.

Chimagu urged farmers to use certified seeds registered by the government rather than using any random seed varieties, stressing that agriculture is profitable when good seeds are used.

He added that TOSCI will continue collaborating with other authorities to ensure all farmers utilize quality seeds to enhance productivity.