Tanzania: More relief to farmers as maize seed subsidies announced

Songwe — Maize farmers are set to benefit from subsidised maize seeds starting in September, aimed at alleviating financial burden ahead of the planting season. The Minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe said during President Samia Suluhu Hassan meeting at Tunduma town in Songwe yesterday that subsidised prices for maize seeds would begin in September. "The reduction in maize seed prices through subsidies aims to ease financial burdens on farmers and enhance crop production," Minister Bashe said noting the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to ensure food security and sustainability in Tanzania. The announcement comes on the heels of the government's decision to raise maize purchase prices through the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to 700/- per kilogramme, up from 600/-, as directed by President Samia earlier in the week. Maize seed subsidies will cap subsidies to fertilisers introduced in 2023/2024 season to help lower prices of the vital inputs and boost maize ...