Zambia Seed Control and Certification Institute to enhance regulations among seed producers

The Zambia Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) will enhance regulation among seed producers to ensure the country has a sustainable system, which will be easily accessed and affordable among the farming communities.

SCCI stresses the need for farmers to access high-quality seeds with a wide-range of crops and varieties to increase productivity and food security in the country.

SCCI senior seeds officer Mudenda Sikwangala has since cautioned farmers of uncertified agro-dealers who are taking advantage of the farming communities by selling illegal seeds and products at reduced prices.

Mrs Sikwangala said in an interview at the ongoing 91st Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show that seed agro-dealers should desist from selling uncertified seeds on the local market as this is negatively impacting on productivity and income generation.

“Every year, we go around the country to sensitise farmers to be cautious and not buy just from any agro seed dealers, as they are likely to buy uncertified seeds and this will impact negatively on their yields.

“As SCCI, we want to enhance regulation and safeguard farmers to buy certified seeds as they are crucial elements in agricultural growth and contribute substantially to crop productivity and food security,” she said.

Mrs Sikwangala said certified seeds have been through a production and quality control scheme, which is subject to full legal and regulatory requirements and which allows such seeds to be traded across international boundaries.
She said SCCI will not hesitate to bring to book the perpetrators of the vice.