Sunflower farmers in Mlele District, Katavi region, are celebrating a significant milestone as they recently received a generous allocation of ten tonnes of subsidized sunflower seeds from the Agricultural Seeds Agency (ASA). The distribution of these improved seeds aligns with government directives, aiming to enhance the production of edible oil in the sunflower-rich Mlele area.
Mr. Lucas Kifyasi, the Mlele District Agriculture Officer, expressed his enthusiasm during the seed handover event, stating that the 10 tonnes of sunflower seeds were part of the allocated amount for local growers. In addition to the seeds, the district also received 1,700 tonnes of subsidized fertilizers, set to be distributed throughout the region at indicative prices, further supporting farmers in maximizing their productivity.
Farmers in the region typically use between three and five kilograms of sunflower seeds per acre, and these subsidized seeds aim to provide them with a high-yielding variety at affordable rates. The Mlele District Commissioner, Majid Mwanga, emphasized the importance of selling the subsidized seeds at directed prices to ensure that the government's efforts in increasing crop productivity and addressing edible oil shortages are effective.
Mr. Mwanga highlighted the government's commitment to overcoming edible oil shortages through various initiatives, including the distribution of improved seeds and fertilizers at reasonable prices, as well as the promotion of modern farming techniques. He urged farmers to adopt quality seeds, emphasizing their long-term benefits over traditional ones.
Addressing the need for continuous support, the DC challenged extension officers to regularly visit small farmers, identify challenges, and propose solutions. In response, farmers requested ongoing education on the use of quality seeds and modern farming techniques to enhance sunflower production in the district.
Ms. Marieth Mnguluchuma, a resident of Inyonga village, stressed the importance of education on quality seeds, citing its positive impact on production outcomes. Additionally, Ms. Gladness Johnson, owner of a sunflower and maize processing mill, emphasized the value of quality seeds, noting that they lead to higher oil extraction rates during processing.
Despite Tanzania ranking 10th globally in sunflower production and being the leading producer in East Africa, challenges persist. The country's production of edible oil currently stands at 290,000 metric tonnes, necessitating an annual import of 420,000 metric tonnes. Forecasts predict a demand increase to 700,000 metric tonnes by 2030.
One of the major impediments to higher production is the limited availability of improved seed varieties with high oil content. As per recommendations, sunflower grains should possess an oil content between 38 and 44 percent, but most grains produced in the country fall short, with an average oil content of 34 percent. The Global Agriculture Food Security Programme (GAFSP) identifies sunflower as a key subsector with investable opportunities in Tanzania, underscoring the importance of addressing existing challenges to unlock its full potential.