An Action Plan for Developing Agricultural Input Markets in Tanzania

7. Dear participants, low farm productivity is further exacerbated by low use of improved seed and plant protection
products. The potential demand for the improved seeds is about 120,000 tonnes per annum. However, the
average annual supply for the past four years (1994/95-2003/04) has been 10,000 tonnes. The amount of improved
seeds used by farmers is estimated to be 8,000 tonnes. The current government policy is to encourage the
private sector to invest in the production and distribution of seeds in the country. With regard to agricultural
chemicals, the annual demand for the past 2 years has been 4.0 million litres of liquid formulations and 21,000
tonnes solid formulations. While the average availability is about 2.1 million litres and 6,000 tonnes respectively.
8. The government is actively addressing the agricultural input availability issues in collaboration with the
stakeholders. In recent years there has been intensive dialogue and collaboration between the government and
the private sector that deal or trade in agricultural inputs. Policies and other related issues that enhance a conducive
environment for private sector participation have been discussed, and this has led to the removal of taxes
and duties on agricultural inputs. Additionally, the government has established the Agricultural Inputs Trust
Fund to avail credit to the private sector and is looking into the formation of an Agricultural Credit Bank for the
private sector to access credit. This is yet another initiative, which will support these efforts.
Dear participants, in conclusion, I would like to underscore the fact that accessibility of production inputs to
farmers is vital for the realisation of rapid agricultural growth. Nonetheless, we haven’t as yet developed a
properly functioning agricultural input marketing system in Tanzania. We have invited you to this workshop
based on your rich experience in agriculture and rural development in general. I am sure you will actively
participate in reviewing the draft action plan in order to come up with a refined and pragmatic Action Plan for
Developing Agricultural Input Markets in Tanzania. I expect that your deliberations would lead to the establishment
of an efficient agricultural input market to ensure that farmers get access to necessary inputs at cost
effective prices, on time, and at convenient locations.
I now declare this workshop officially opened.
Thank you.
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