Made Bane Farmers’ Union of Falwel: moving beyond subsistence farming

The yield was very low, only 350 kg of grain per hectare

So, the initial objective of the union was to drive the region

much food as needed to feed the population.

“I’ve learnt the techniques of quality seed production and marketing,” “I also learned to operate a farming account, which I could not do before. I can plan my seasonal activities properly, take stock of the situation and calculate in advance the return on investment per hectare.”

“When I count my yearly revenues, I am paying myself a salary of about 200 US dollars per

and I expect to expand my farm to 20 hectares,” says Mr Tanda, who has simple advice for youths. “With a seed business, one can become rich!”

“We have now become specialists and experts in seed production, managers of inputs shops and owners of businesses producing quality seed of improved varieties. Our production has increased and we can sell larger quantities,”

“This has helped us reach a crucial food security goal”

“I used to live in a hut, but thanks to the seed business I built a new house roofed with metal in which I live

children; one of them became a nurse while another is now serving in the National Guard. I also bought a horse and a motorcycle for transport, and some decent clothes.”

am not obliged to consume millet every day. Part of my production is sold and with the return I buy other foods to diversify my family’s food consumption to maintain a balanced diet.

“Previously, I was heavily indebted. Now, I lend to others. I will continue seed production because it is a

standards, packaging and controls, and the effective

Bright perspectives: a seed business can make you rich!