Dar es Salaam, In a pivotal moment for agricultural innovation, Patrick Ngwediagi, the Director General of the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), has officially launched SeedCast, a groundbreaking mobile app set to transform Tanzania’s rice seed market.
The launch took place at the Rice Breeding Innovations Partners’ Annual Meeting in Dar es Salaam, gathering over 100 rice experts and representatives from 11 countries, emphasizing the international significance of the event.
Bridging Supply and Demand Gap
Developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the SeedCast app aims to redefine how information about rice seed supply and demand is disseminated. This venture has been executed in collaboration with both public and private sectors in Tanzania. The app is designed to bridge the information gap between farmers, seed suppliers, and policymakers, thereby increasing productivity in Tanzania’s crucial rice industry.
“SeedCast acts as a hub connecting various stakeholders in the rice ecosystem. It promotes collaboration and information-sharing,” said Patrick Ngwediagi, highlighting TOSCI’s commitment to driving agricultural innovation.
Localized for Tanzania
The app aligns with local and international standards, operating under existing laws and terminologies. Dr. Dennis Tippe, Director of the Uyole Agricultural Research Institute, underscored SeedCast’s localized impact. He said, “This platform will help village agricultural officers, allowing them to provide timely information about available seeds at local stores or agro-dealers.”
Data-Driven Decision Making
Beyond localized impact, SeedCast has broader implications for planning and policy. “District councils will benefit from data-driven insights for better planning and deployment of seeds,” Dr. Tippe pointed out. “The app will offer verified data, thereby easing the struggles that our farmers have traditionally faced in identifying quality seeds.”
Towards an Inclusive Future
The initial version of SeedCast is available for smartphones, but plans are in place to extend its reach through standard SMS services. “We’re starting smart but thinking inclusively,” Dr. Tippe emphasized.
A Catalyst for Change
Dr. Ajay Panchbhai, Regional Breeding Lead at IRRI, stressed the role of education in improving seed quality. “Africa spends a lot on food imports, despite having fertile lands. Educating our farmers is a key step in turning this around,” he said.
Martin Ndomondo, Seed Systems Specialist at IRRI, expressed optimism about this digital transformation. “The system enables farmers to identify nearby seed distributors, revolutionizing how they place orders,” he elaborated.
A Pivotal Event in Rice Agriculture
The Rice Breeding Innovations Partners’ Annual Meeting is a cornerstone event in global rice agriculture, particularly for Tanzania, a key player in the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region. The launch of SeedCast at this meeting highlights its importance not just within Tanzania but also on a regional and international scale.