Farmers urged to preserve indigenous seeds as seed bank launched in Serere
The Kyere Community Seed Bank, constructed at a cost of approximately Shs 60 million, is expected to boost the conservation of traditional seed varieties in the district and improve farmers’ access to quality planting materials
SERERE, October 30, 2025 — The Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers Forum Uganda [ESAFF Uganda] has established a community seed bank at Alilimo village in Kyere Town Council, Serere district.
The Kyere Community Seed Bank, constructed at a cost of approximately Shs 60 million, is expected to boost the conservation of traditional seed varieties in the district and improve farmers’ access to quality planting materials. The facility will serve as both a learning hub and a living archive of Uganda’s rich agricultural heritage.
Yesterday’s launch of the seed bank at the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute [NaSARRI], attracted farmers from across the country, including Amuru, Kampala, and Mukono districts, as well as farmers from Bugondo and Kyere sub-counties, who showcased a variety of traditional seed types.
Speaking at the launch, Hakim Baliraine, National Chairperson of ESAFF Uganda, encouraged farmers to deposit their different seed varieties at the bank.
“We are looking at ways to protect indigenous seeds in order to empower our local communities,” Baliraine said.
He emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous seeds and urged farmers to embrace agroecology, a farming approach that eliminates the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides.
Stephen Ochola, LCV Chairperson for Serere district, commended ESAFF Uganda for the initiative, noting that it would strengthen food security in a region known for growing millet, sorghum, rice, beans, groundnuts, maize, watermelon, sunflower, onions, cabbages, tomatoes, simsim, and cowpeas, among others.
Ochola pledged to safeguard the facility, describing it as a vital centre for the multiplication of indigenous seeds.
John Emanio, Coordinator for Training at NaSARRI in Serere, highlighted the importance of integrating agro-processing into the seed bank’s activities. He said doing so would enable farmers to scale up production, collectively market their produce, and secure better prices, ultimately improving incomes and livelihoods.
Emanio also urged farmers to incorporate agroforestry practices, stressing their importance in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
“By embracing diversity through agroforestry, farmers can build resilience and move towards more sustainable agricultural systems,” he noted.
Anthony Nseko, Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Serere, commended both the government and its partners for supporting the project, saying the initiative would play a crucial role in safeguarding traditional seeds.
Meanwhile, Francis Esadu, LC III Chairperson for Kyere Subcounty, expressed concern that many farmers had not yet been sensitised on how to effectively utilise the community seed bank.
Emanio added that most farmers currently lack the capacity to manage seed banks, as many focus primarily on immediate cultivation and consumption rather than long-term preservation.
However, Ketty Akello, Chairperson of the Kyere Seed Bank and Coordinator of 10 farmer seed schools in Serere district, said the facility would help eliminate middlemen who have long exploited farmers.
She pledged that members would continue multiplying indigenous seeds and called for the formation of farmer cooperatives.
“Through cooperatives, the purchase of inputs and marketing become easier compared to when farmers work individually,” Akello said.
https://thecooperator.news/serere-farmers-equipped-with-knowledge-in-agroecology/
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