In a concerted effort to empower farmers with essential knowledge for optimising crop yields, the Gauteng department of agriculture, rural development and environment (GDARDE) recently hosted a series of workshops focused on soybean seed quality.
These educational sessions, held in both the Tswane and Sedibeng regions, aimed to shed light on the critical importance of on-farm storage conditions and their impact on soybean seed viability.
The workshops, titled “Soybean Seed Quality Farmer Day,” were part of a comprehensive research project funded by GDARDE and conducted in collaboration with the University of Pretoria. The objective was to equip farmers with the necessary insights to safeguard their soybean seeds and enhance their overall crop production.
Farmers gathered eagerly to participate in a day of intensive learnings at the Bronkhorstpruit Sport Centre in the Tswane region. Led by experts from the University of Pretoria, attendees delved into the intricate science behind seed viability and the various factors influencing it.
Practical knowledge took centre stage as farmers were educated on how to assess and maintain optimal storage conditions for their soybean seeds.
Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the Gauteng social development, agriculture, rural development and environment, said farmers were educated on how to keep seeds in non-regulated conditions.
“They were equally capacitated to know how does the storage conditions over time affect their soybean seeds. What pathogens are they affecting the seeds, is it fungi, bacteria, viruses and so on was also taught?
“The workshop guided farmers on the significance of seed storage inspection and integral consistently of inspection to monitor insect invasion to be proactive on the control methods before significant damage,” Gadebe said.
Following the success of the workshop in Tswane, GDARDE extended its educational outreach to the Sedibeng region. Farmers convened at the Vereening Civic Centre, eager to glean insights from the expertise of the University of Pretoria researchers.
Once again, the workshop provided a platform for in-depth discussions and practical demonstrations aimed at empowering farmers to make informed decisions about seed storage and management.
As the workshops drew to a close, participants departed with a newfound understanding of the intricacies of soybean seed quality and the tools necessary to safeguard their harvests.
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