Amolatar district urged to support local seed production to fight counterfeits

AMOLATAR, July 13, 2025 –– Farmers from various cooperative societies in Amolatar district are appealing to district authorities for financial support to boost local seed production, which they say is  vital in ensuring access to quality and affordable planting materials.

Local seed production in Amolatar district began in 2012 as a response to the limited availability and poor quality of seeds or counterfeits supplied by the private agro-dealers.

Some of the cooperatives involved in local seed production include Agikdak Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited, Pedacorn Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited, Agwingiri Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited, Muntu Farmers’ Cooperative Society, and Namasale Cooperative Farmers’ Society Limited. These cooperatives currently produce a variety of seeds such as maize, simsim [sesame], soybeans, common beans, groundnuts, and rice.

Out of 36 registered farmers’ cooperatives in the district, only six are actively engaged in seed production. According to Francis Ojok, the District Production and Marketing Officer Amolatar , these six were selected for support due to their active participation and capacity.

“We have supported six cooperatives to engage in local seed production and demonstrations. We provide them with foundation seeds, guide them through the seed multiplication process, and ensure quality assurance. Once the seeds are ready, they are packaged and sold to cooperative members at more affordable prices compared to those in the general agro-input market,” Ojok explained.

He acknowledged the ongoing issue of counterfeit agro-inputs, especially seeds, and highlighted the district’s efforts to address this challenge.

“There are many fake seeds in circulation. As a district, we are developing ordinances to combat the sale of counterfeit seeds and inputs. Access to quality seed at the right time, especially during planting seasons, is still a major hurdle due to the limited number of agro-dealers,” he added.

Ojok emphasised that strengthening local seed production would greatly benefit farmers by improving access to reliable planting materials.

“My appeal is to strengthen cooperatives to engage in seed production. Supporting local seed businesses will complement agro-dealers and enhance the overall seed supply system, which is fundamental to successful crop production,” he said.

Hellen Ogwal, Chairperson of Agikdak Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited, raised concerns over the high cost of breeder seeds.

“The main challenge is the price. Seed multipliers sell to us at very high rates. For example, a kilogramme of simsim costs around Shs 10,000, which many farmers cannot afford,” she noted.

Ogwal stressed that with financial support, the cooperatives could scale up seed production significantly.

“Some of those trained in seed production have become inactive over time. There’s a need for continued capacity-building and support, including training on tree and seedling propagation,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Ogwal highlighted the positive impact seed production has had on members’ livelihoods.

“Through seed production, we’ve managed to send our children to school, build permanent homes, and some members have invested in livestock such as cattle. It’s a rewarding venture, even though we face setbacks,” she added.

https://thecooperator.news/maaif-partners-with-amuria-district-to-boost-oilseed-production/

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