African Seed Trade Association targets eliminating fake seed

THE Africa Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) has set itself a 2025 target to eliminate the prevalence of fake seed on the continent as part efforts to boost farm productivity.

The call was made by AFSTA president Mr Denias Zaranyika, who is also managing director of one of Africa’s biggest seed manufacturing giant — Seed Co, at the grouping’s 2018 congress currently underway in Cairo,Egypt.

Mr Zaranyika said the fake seed elimination target will run in tandem with the 2025 target of abolishing the laborious and less productive use of the hand hoe.

The meeting was also attended by the Arab Republic of Egypt Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Dr Abdelmoniem El Banna who was representing the country’s Prime Minister Engineer Sherif Ismael and president of the International Seed Federation, Mr Jean Christophe Gouache.

“In tandem with the goal of abolishing the use of hand hoe by 2025, should be serious efforts to eliminate fake seed and unsustainable seed business practices,” said Mr Zaranyika.

“The seed industry must always endeavour to ensure a seed, food and nutrition secure Africa, creating jobs and contributing to its economic growth and prosperity.

“As seeds men and women, our duty therefore is to adequately seed Africa so that we can feed Africa.

“Fundamentally, we must grow our membership, work with stakeholders and partners in the seed value chain and continue to raise seed trade standards. We have to invest in ensuring that Seed Statistics are credible and accessible,” he said.

Mr Zaranyika also noted that AFSTA members must spur the development of their national and regional seed associations, participate in special interest Groups and learn, as well as network to keep abreast of trends.

With the fastest growing population, he said Africa which is estimated to have an estimated population of about 1,7 billion by 2030 and the challenge is on seed manufactures to feed this growing.