Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

In an innovative collaboration, the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) have piloted SeedCast, a mobile application designed to address challenges in rice seed demand and supply.

The app serves as a platform for farmers, seed producers, and suppliers to connect. It provides farmers with detailed information about rice seed varieties, available stock, supplier locations, and suitability for specific ecological zones or market demands. By registering on SeedCast, users can select seeds tailored to their needs, communicate with nearby suppliers, and ensure timely access to quality seeds.

The pilot event took place on December 11-12, 2024, in Mbarali District, Mbeya, and was attended by 59 participants, including extension officers, quality declared seed (QDS) producers, certified seed producers, seed suppliers, and researchers. During the event, attendees were trained on how to use the app and were registered as users.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Martin Ndomondo, a research officer from IRRI, highlighted the app's potential to transform rice farming in Tanzania. Though still in its pilot phase, the app is already available on the Google Play Store.  It is expected to enhance access to high-quality seeds, increase agricultural productivity, and streamline seed supply chains.

This pilot represents a significant step toward refining and scaling SeedCast, with the goal of revolutionizing seed access for Tanzanian farmers.