DODOMA, Feb. 6 -- THE government has defended the annual purchase of maize seeds by farmers, saying most varieties grown in the country are hybrids that lose their superior qualities when replanted, leading to poor harvests and reduced productivity.

The government has said maize farmers are compelled to buy new seeds every farming season because most of the seeds used in the country are hybrids, which lose their superior qualities when replanted, resulting in lower yields and reduced productivity.

Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde made the clarification in the National Assembly when responding to a basic question from Urambo MP Magreth Sitta (CCM), who sought to know why farmers must purchase new maize seeds annually instead...