Tanzania, May 18 -- EFFORTS to protect farmers from fake seeds have been intensified, with a new directive requiring all rural and regional seed sellers to be re-registered into a national database for close monitoring and quality assurance.

Minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe revealed the new measures in the National Assembly yesterday while responding to a supplementary question from Special Seats MP Dr Thea Ntara, who inquired about the government's plan to ensure seeds sold in stores are of high-quality and affordable, particularly for women farmers.

Mr Bashe said the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) has expanded its capacity to inspect and verify seeds in the market.

As part of the changes, seed bags will...