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The government has been called upon to strengthen regulation and enforcement in the seed industry, potentially through a concerted effort from all seed companies.
Felix Tembo, Seedcare Head for Eastern and Southern Africa, expressed concern over the lack of adequate law enforcement, leading to an influx of poor-quality seeds on the Zambian market.
Tembo told Zambia Monitor in Lusaka on Friday that the government should collaborate with all seed companies rather than working with individual ones.
He also proposed the creation of a Seed Fund by seed companies to support campaigns and farmer education in the country.
“Lack of awareness among farmers about the importance of high-quality seeds is leading to a focus on price over quality,” Tembo highlighted.
He pointed out that regulation and enforcement in Zambia’s seed industry were inadequate compared to countries like Kenya, where trained professionals work to identify and educate farmers on seed quality.
Tembo emphasized the need to promote high-quality seeds, enhance farmer knowledge, and improve the overall seed industry in Zambia.
“We need to create activities to raise awareness and specialize the farming community,” he suggested.
Tembo noted that many farmers prioritized price over the authenticity of the seeds they purchased.
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