Under the pact the four institutions will partner in the provision of the first mobile crop insurance in Tanzania. Known as Linda Mbegu (Protect you seeds), the move will enable farmers across the country to insure their seeds, a vital step towards lifting agriculture that employs a large part of the workforce.

 

Data shows that the majority of farmers rarely invest in quality seeds because of different reasons such as awareness and prospects of their yields.

 

Speaking during the launch of project here yesterday, Seed Co managing director Clive Mugadza said the programme will hedge small-scale farmers against the consequences of poor rains.

 

"For smallholder farmers in Tanzania one bad season sets off a string of negative consequences, being it inadequate and poorly distributed rainfall that leads to fall in crop production. These uncertainties impact the farmers' willingness to invest in improved inputs. The Linda Mbegu product will ensure that in the event of rainfall failure, the farmer would get the equivalent of the number of bags of seed they purchased replaced at the local agro dealer."

Source : allafrica.com