The recently concluded African Seed Trade Association (Afsta) congress in Kenya emphasised the importance of quality seed for a country’s food requirements. The impact of climate change and adaptation, especially among smallholder farmers, need collaboration and government support.
The outgoing president of Afsta, Dr Kulani Machaba, said meetings of that nature allowed seed people from all over Africa and beyond to network and exchange ideas on the future of seed trade and production.
Securing seed is paramount
“We believe that when professionals meet together in such in-person forums, they are able to share experiences as well as predict and influence where they want the seed sector to be in the coming years,” he said.
The cabinet secretary for the ministry of agriculture and livestock development in Kenya, Mithika Linturi, said seed companies need to invest in seed technologies that can withstand drought, pests and diseases, high yielding varieties, and produce quality food across Africa.
“All stakeholders need together to work to bring sobriety to the sector and government is open for discussion and is willing to support seed organisations in this endeavour,” he said.
South Africa’s seeds are safe
Meanwhile, Magdeleen Cilliers, projects and research officer at the South African National Seed Organisation, said the South African seed industry is in a very good state.
“With more than 260 seeded crops available to farmers in three divisions field crops, vegetables and forage and pastures. South Africa has a strong competitive industry with high quality genetics to help farmers with hurdles such as climate change, and pest resistance,” she said.
Cilliers said the seed industry is valued at R536 million and it is important that it is protected to ensure unhindered food production.
She said the government is investing in seed production and research, “The department of agriculture and department of science and innovation is supporting various breeding programmes on seeded crops at public research institutes such as the agricultural research council,” she said.
Scientist at the Western Cape department of agriculture Johann Strauss said as far as he is aware there were no seed shortages in the country.
“Most of the seed crops are available from seed companies depending on the crop. Some of the agribusinesses also contract producers to multiply seed planting. As far as I know, staple food seeds are secure,” he said.
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