Gambia: Seed Production Training Kicks Off

CRR — The National Agricultural Research Institution (NARI) on Monday started a five-day training workshop on seed production and certification procedures for conservation assistants and extension agents, at the Rural Finance Training Centre in Brikamaba, Lower Fulladu west District, in Central River Region (CRR) south. The National Agricultural Land and Water Management Development Project (NEMA) funded the training, which is for the first group of conservation field assistants on seed certification procedures.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the head of Seed Programme of NARI, Morro Manga, said seed certification procedures are fundamental tools that ensure quality delivery in seed systems as enshrined in the National Seed Policy and ECOWAS harmonized seed regulation. He said the Government of The Gambia recognised the fundamental importance of agriculture in achieving food security and improving the well being of the population. The proper use of quality seeds of adapted and improved varieties, Manga stated, is a prerequisite in enhancing crop production in the country. He indicated that seed as the reproductive unit of the plant is the most important input for sustainable crop production; that quality seed alone is known to account for at least 10-15% increase in productivity. The head of Seed Programme of NARI further indicated that the insufficient availability of quality seed continues to be one of the greatest impediments to bridging the large gap. He said farmers need to be aware that poor quality seed, in the first place, gives a poor beginning for crops, citing that the plants often suffer from low seedling vigour, poor growth and uniformity. Manga asserted that the seed regulations in the ECOWAS region have been harmonised and to this the Gambia is a signatory and is a member of West Africa Seed Committee.

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