By CHIMPREPORTS
The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) in Uganda has signed a plant variety license with ten seed companies to address the issue of fake seeds on the market. This move aims to eliminate the supply of counterfeit seeds that has resulted in significant losses for farmers. The licensing agreement brings the total number of licensed seed companies to twenty-three, with new additions including Variety Seed Company, Century Seed Company, and Equator Seed Company, among others.
Dr. Yona Baguma, the Director General of NARO, emphasized the importance of the plant variety license in tracing the seed varieties supplied to companies. This, in turn, ensures that these companies provide quality seeds to farmers at national and regional levels. Dr. Baguma urged seed company directors to invest in infrastructure and skilled personnel to understand the dynamics of seed varieties. He emphasized the need for companies to have a long-term business plan, think beyond national borders, and develop mechanisms for feedback to NARO.
Dr. Sadiq Kassim, the Deputy Director General in charge of Agriculture Technology Promotion at NARO, called for increased inspections by Ministry of Agriculture officials to guarantee the supply of quality seeds to farmers. He highlighted the importance of the licensing agreement in facilitating the sale of certified seeds and emphasized the need for competitiveness to establish a comparative advantage over other member states within COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa).
Robert Socar Lakidi, the Senior Agricultural Inspector at the Agriculture Ministry, urged seed companies to observe standards in the market and ensure the production of quality seeds meeting international standards. The Managing Director of Golden Bull LTD, one of the licensed seed companies, and other stakeholders welcomed the move, noting that it comes at the right time to increase accessibility of quality seeds to farmers.
This initiative is part of efforts to address the challenges posed by fake seeds in the market and promote the availability of certified and quality seeds for agricultural activities. The licensing agreement is expected to enhance traceability, accountability, and adherence to quality standards in the seed industry.
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