Farmers have been urged to buy avocado and other horticultural seedlings bearing official identification stickers from the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) to avoid substandard planting materials that could undermine productivity and their investments.
The call highlights concerns over the quality of planting materials available to farmers, with TOSCI seeking to strengthen certification and make it easier for buyers to distinguish approved seedlings from those that do not meet required standards.
Speaking to journalists at the institute's pavilion during the inaugural HortiLogistica Africa exhibition in Arusha, TOSCI Director General Nyasebwa Chimagu said the stickers were part of efforts to improve quality assurance in the horticultural sector.
She said access to quality seedlings was essential for improving crop performance, increasing yields and strengthening the competitiveness of Tanzanian horticultural produce in domestic and international markets.
For farmers investing in long-term crops such as avocado, the quality and authenticity of seedlings are particularly important, as poor planting materials can affect productivity and returns over several years.
Chimagu encouraged farmers and other horticultural stakeholders to visit the TOSCI pavilion during the exhibition to learn about seed and seedling quality standards and varieties capable of meeting international market requirements.
She said the institute was using the exhibition to raise awareness about the importance of certified planting materials and the role of quality control in developing a competitive horticultural industry.
TOSCI urged buyers to verify the presence of its official stickers and identification marks before purchasing seedlings, saying the measure would help protect farmers' investments while supporting efforts to improve the quality of agricultural production.