Bigirwa made this statement during a stakeholders’ learning event that brought together research scientists, seed companies, national seed regulatory agencies, policymakers, extension agents, grain traders, and processors to discuss issues surrounding generational seeds.
According to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), 30% to 40% of seeds sold in Uganda are counterfeit. However, several companies have embraced the E-tag system to help farmers access genuine seeds. This system allows farmers to verify seed authenticity by sending a code via SMS to the seed or agricultural input manufacturer, who then confirms whether the seed is genuine or fake.
“We have fraudsters who simply buy grain, dress it, and put it on the market for sale,” Bigirwa said. “This happens due to challenges faced by national regulatory agencies, which often lack the financial resources and manpower to oversee operations nation-wide.”
He explained that fraudsters exploit loopholes in regulatory oversight, leading to the circulation of counterfeit seeds. As a result, farmers end up purchasing substandard seeds, which can result in low yields or even complete crop failure, ultimately wasting their money.
“It’s crucial to strengthen national regulatory agencies, equipping them with the necessary resources, technical, and logistical to effectively inspect and certify seeds produced across the country,” he added.
In response to these challenges, AGRA is supporting entities involved in high-generation seed production. In regions facing shortages of certified seeds, AGRA is helping private seed companies access seeds from national seed systems in 12 African countries.
Bigirwa highlighted the critical issue of the availability of early-generation seeds, the initial stock of seeds required to produce certified varieties. Due to limitations in production capacity, shortages are common. He also pointed to different models used by independent seed companies specializing in early-generation seed production.
“We have the National Agricultural Research Organization (Naro), which produces early-generation seeds from varieties developed by public research institutes. Naro then multiplies these seeds on their own farms, using trained out-growers to produce seeds that are sold to seed companies for further certification,” he explained.
He emphasized that every sovereign country should have the capacity to produce its own seeds. With Africa’s favorable climate and abundant arable land, the continent has the potential to produce sufficient seeds, reducing reliance on foreign imports and conserving valuable resources, particularly foreign currency.
He urged the government to collaborate with private seed companies and Naro to ensure that the right varieties are available for seed production. These varieties must be adapted to different agricultural zones to ensure that farmers can produce enough food for their consumption, as well as surplus for sale, which will improve their livelihoods and contribute to food security.
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