Tanzania, March 19 -- Dodoma. Limited access to improved seedlings and strict import conditions from producing countries have been cited as major obstacles to the expansion of date palm farming in Tanzania, even as demand for the crop continues to grow in the domestic market.

Agricultural experts say many farmers are still using old seed varieties that are less productive, largely because of difficulties in obtaining certified planting materials.

The challenge comes at a time when the crop is gaining popularity, partly due to a widespread belief among consumers that dates help to boost male vitality, increasing their market value.

A date palm specialist from the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (Tari), Dr Nicholas Kuboja, said ...