sadc seed security network · agriculture and natural resources (fanr) directorate, has been...

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SADC SEED SECURITY NETWORK

Issue No. 19 Vol. 1 February 2006

SADC Seed Security Networkwelcomes you to the SADC SeedUpdate in which we providecurrent information on the seedsituation of the SADC region. Thisis the first issue for this year

Angola · Botswana · Democrtic Republic of Congo · Lesotho · Madagascar · Malawi · Mauritius · Mozambique · Namibia· South Africa · Swaziland · Tanzania · Zambia · Zimbabwe

IN THIS ISSUESADC Permanent Secretaries ofAgriculture on harmonization of seedregulations -1

© SADC Seed Security Network

A Bimonthly Publication of the SADC Seed Security Network

Seed Standardization training in seedtesting in support of harmonization ofseed regulations -2

SADC Seed Security Network (SSSN)Steering Committee approves work onharmonization of seed regulations -5

Seed Certification Accreditation -3

Phytosanitary for Seed Standardizationtraing in support of harmonization ofseed regulations -4Three workshops to be convened inCape Town on harmonization of seedregulations -5

Current seed situation in the SADCregion -6

2006. We sense that thisinformation is useful to farmers,seed houses, developmentagencies and policy makers whoare concerned with the foodsecurity of the region.

We will continue to provide thisinformation and we encourage thatyou give us feed back so that wecan improve this informationproduct and make it morerelevant.

SADC Permanent Secretaries of Agriculture on harmonization of seed regulationsA meeting of SADC PermanentSecretaries of Agriculture

Dr. Tomas Mondlate, Minister ofAgriculture, Mozambique

Harmonization of SeedRegulations was held at theCardoso Hotel, Maputo,Mozambique on 8 & 9 December2005.

The meeting was attended byPermanent Secretaries from 12Member States, namely: Angola,Botswana, Democratic Republicof Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar,Malawi, Mozambique, SouthAfrica, Swaziland, Tanzania,Zambia and Zimbabwe. Also inattendance were representativesof seed organizations andInternational Agricultural ResearchCenters.

The meeting was opened by theMinister of Agriculture of theRepublic of Mozambique, HisExcellency Dr. Tomas Mondlate,top left. The objectives of themeeting were:

To review progress madein the preparation ofharmonization of seed regulations;

To provide furtherguidance and inputs to the

Develop a road mapleading to approval by SADCMinisters of Agriculture andimplementation by MemberStates.

At this meeting technicalproposals on SADC VarietyRegistration and Release system,SADC Seed Certification andQuality Assurance System, andSADC Quarantine andPhytosanitary Measures for Seedwere presented. Thesedocuments will form an integratedharmonized seed regulationsystem that will facilitate easiermovement of seed across borderswithin the SADC region, withoutcompromising on quality and planthealth aspects.

At this meeting the PermanentSecretaries of Agriculture agreedto adopt a harmonized seedregulation system. Currently only10% of farmers in the region areusing seed of improved varieties.The system, when implemented,will improve seed trade amongMember States, therebyincreasing availability of qualityseeds to farmers. This is in linewith the Dar-es-SalaamDeclaration, which emphasizesthe need for seed security in orderto attain food security.

Introduction

The road map for accomplishingharmonization of seed regulations -2

process of harmonization of seedregulations;

To take ownership of theprocess at Policy Level; and

Southern Africa Seed SystemDevelopment Meeting -6


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The road map for accomplishing harmonization of seed regulations

The road map for accomplishingharmonization of seed regulationsiin the SADC region has beenplanned in the steps below:-

(i) Address concerns ofPermanent Secretaries ofAgriculture including developmentof implementation manuals;

Seed Standardization training in seed testing in support of harmonization of seed regulations

The meeting noted a dire need forcapacity building at national andregional levels. The proposedsystem will require qualifiedpersonnel in seed testing andinspections, variety releaseprocedures and aspects ofquarantine and plant health. Inaddition, the proposed system willrequire adequate seed testing andplant health equipment in order tomeet the relevant regional andinternational standards.

Permanent Secretaries furthernoted the need to have a costeffective institutional frameworkwhich can be implemented withinthe existing structures at nationaland regional levels. The meeting

stressed the need for the systemto be sustainable without undulyburdening the Member States andfarmers.

Delegates at Permanent SecretariesMeeting

In order to facilitate seedmovement across borders, themeeting noted the need to involveMinistries of Trade and

Commerce to participate in thefollow-up discussions, which willprepare final proposals forsubmission to the IntegratedCommittee of Ministers (ICM).

The SADC Seed SecurityNetwork, operating under the Food,Agriculture and Natural Resources(FANR) Directorate, has beenmandated to manage the process.

The meeting expressedappreciation to the Swiss Agencyfor Development and Cooperation(SDC) for financial support, aswell as the government and thepeople of the Republic ofMozambique for hosting the event.

South Africa held a SADC SeedSecurity Network StandardisationCourse in Seed Testing.

The standardisation course in theDepartment of Agriculture’sRoodeplaat offices took place overa period of two weeks earlyOctober 2005

Mrs. Pamela Strauss - Trainerexplaining seed testing rule book toparticipants

One senior seed analyst from eachSADC country was nominated toattend. The analyst would then

utilize the acquired knowledgeback at their own nationallaboratories to ensure thisstandardisation is enhanced in theSADC Region.

The main objectives of the coursewere:

• To promote standardisation inseed testing by application ofthe current International SeedTesting Association seed-testing rules.

• To determine deficiencies/problems areas in currentnational laboratories in orderto improve and thereafterensure standardisation.

• To promote application ofquality assurance practices inseed-testing laboratories.

• To determine future trainingneeds.

The course focused on seed-testing techniques that arecurrently mostly conducted bynational laboratories, i.e.sampling, physical purity analysisand germination test. This coveredmainly agronomic cropsfrequently in use in SADC region,such as maize, sorghum,groundnuts, dry beans, etc, aswell as vegetable crops such asonions and carrots.

Practical sessions were held onvarious crops. During one sessionsunflower seedlings wereevaluated in order to provideinformation on the effect of thedifferent sand types. Participantswere also taught the skill to detect

(ii) Convene meeting oftechnicians both Agriculture andTrade;

(iii) Sensitize PermanentSecretaries both Agriculture andTrade;

(iv) Convene PermanentSecretaries both Agriculture andTrade;

(v) Presentation of thesystem to Integrated Committeeof Ministers (ICM) and

(vi) Management and co-ordination of the system.

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seedling defects, such asabnormal seedlings occurringnaturally versus those caused bysuboptimal conditions.

Participants during training tryinghands on purity test

Seed identification received muchattention during the course andsmall seed collections were madeavailable to the participants. Thishas been identified as one of theareas due to receive attention inthe future.

Quality assurance was also atopic that was discussed atvarious stages during the course.The concept of quality assurancevaries within the laboratories fromwell advanced (i.e. the laboratoriesthat have ISTA accreditation wheresuch a system has beendeveloped, implemented andmaintained), to laboratories thathave very little background in thisregard.

The course supersededexpectations and all the objectiveswere achieved. The SADC SeedSecurity Network (SSSN) hasrequested that the course berepeated over the next few yearsfor pursuing the concept ofstandardisation until fullyachieved.

In handing out certificates MrEdward Zulu, the coordinator ofSSSN based in Gaborone,Botswana said that the coursewas well executed and it is thebasis of motivation to call on theDepartment of Agriculture to assistthe SADC region in the area ofcapacity building in support ofharmonization of seed regulationsin future.

“The course has unearthed thegreat needs for training and wehope that you can allow us to havethis event as an annual one in thenext three to five years,” Stated MrZulu. He further appreciated thehigh level of professionalism withwhich this course has beenconducted by the official seed-testing station of South Africa. Heexpressed his hope that thecourse provided an opportunity to

form a consortium of SADC SeedAnalysts to meet once a year andcommunicate regularly throughproficiency seed testing. SADCwill officially ask the South AfricanGovernment to support theprogramme of proficiency seedtesting.

The assistant Director-General,Agricultural Production, DrShadrack Moephuli, said thatissues of seed standardisationshould remain on the SADCagenda. He stated that the coursebrought the opportunity tomeasure what other people bringto the country.

“Seed standardisation is importantas far as South Africa isconcerned and such skills areimportant”, said Dr Moephuli. Heconcluded by indicating that hewould take note of the request forthe programme to be conductedannually.

Seed Certification Accreditation Workshop

SADC Seed Security Network inconjunction with other seedstakeholders conducted a SeedCertification AccreditationWorkshop in support ofharmonization of seed regulationswhich was held 14-18 Novemberin Lusaka, Zambia. SADC ispursuing efforts to harmonizeseed regulations to promoteregional seed trade in line withregional integration. After a seriesof discussions, three technicalproposals have been formulatedand include a regional seedcertification system. The regional

seed certification systemformulated provides for widerparticipation in the area of seedcertification and quality assurancein which the private sector willhave a role in partnership with thepublic sector.

In order to achieve this, a systemof accreditation needs to be put inplace in all SADC Member States.Under this system, seedcompanies or private sector willbe authorized and take an activerole in seed certification andquality control of the seed they are

producing and marketing througha system of authorization from thegovernment seed certificationauthority.

As resources and capacity bygovernments to manage seedcertification systems dwindle,involvement of other playersincluding seed companies anduniversities has become anattractive and sustainable optionfor providing and managingcertification services of seed.

In order to effect this, it isimperative that staff be involved


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are provided with the necessarycapacity to meet the challengesas provided by the SADC SeedCertification System.

The workshop was held toprovide participants with detailedtheory and practical knowledge onseed certification accreditation,based on process management,which included sharing ofexperiences through countrystatus reports discussions andfield visit to an accredited seedcompany and the governmentseed certification agency.

The objectives of the workshopwere:

• To impart knowledge onprocess management and seed

certification accreditation insupport of harmonization;

• To share experiences onaccreditation;

• Take stock of the status ofaccreditation in SADC MemberStates;

• To develop a first draft ofaccreditation procedures manualbased on process management

• To provide usefulinformation for setting a wayforward for implementation ofaccreditation

The workshop was attended bythree (3) participants per countryincluding seeds personnel in publicand private sector. Participants

were awarded certificate ofparticipation on successfulcompletion of the workshop.

The workshop was funded bySwiss Agency for Developmentand Cooperation and USAIDthrough Iowa State University’sSeed Science Centre andICRISAT. It was organized by theCentre in conjunction with SADCSeed Security Network.

Phytosanitary for Seed Standardization training in support of harmonization of seed regulations

SADC Seed Security Network inconjunction with the Ministry ofAgriculture, Zimbabwe hosted aStandardization TrainingWorkshop on Phytosanitary forseed Measures from 12-16December, 2005, Harare,Zimbabwe. This workshop was insupport of the current efforts onharmonization of seed regulationsto promote easier movement ofseed in SADC. It was targeted atstaff who will be responsible forimplementation of the SADCphytosanitary for seed system.systesystem.ystem.

Dr. Cames Mguni andparticipants during training

The Workshop focused on themanagement of plant quarantinepests transmitted through seedand vegetative plant material withthe view to preventing their entry,establishment and spread in theSADC region. Emphasis wasmade on the pests that have beenisolated as those requiringcontrols in seed trade amongSADC Member States.

Objectives of the workshop wereto train a competent cadre ofexperts who will have thenecessary tools to implement theSADC Phytosanitary for seedsystem currently being developed.This is to ensure that the processgets a faster and smoothimplementation when approved.

The focus was on:-••••• Importance of seed health

in crop production

• Application of Sanitary andPhytosanitary (SPS)

principles and Pest RiskAnalysis in Seed Trade

• Identification of SADCquarantine pest speciesborne on seed andvegetative plant material

• Damage symptomscaused by quarantinepests borne on seed andvegetative plant material

• Phytosanitary measuresfor the containment ofquarantine pests (forselected major crops)transmitted by seed andvegetative plant material inSADC.

••••• Implementation of theharmonized phytosanitarymeasures for seed andvegetative plant material inthe SADC region

The workshop was funded bySwiss Agency for Developmentand Cooperation through SADCSeed Security Network.

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Three workshops to be convened in Cape Town on harmonization of seed regulationsSADC Seed Security Network inconjunction with the Ministry ofAgriculture, South Africa isconvening three seedsworkshops in Cape Town, SouthAfrica 5-18 March 2006 in supportof harmonization of seedregulations in the SADC region.

The workshops include SeedCertification AccreditationWorkshop to be held 6-10 March2006, Seed Import/Export(Phytosanitary for seed)Workshop to be held 10-17 March2006 and Variety testing andregistration accreditationworkshop to be held in parallel 10-17 March, 2006.

Objectives of the SeedCertification AccreditationWorkshop include:

• Presentation, revision andfinalization of last draft ofaccreditation procedures basedon process management by eachcountry;

• Development of modelquality manuals for seedcompanies and seed testinglaboratories and

• Provide information forimplementation of accreditation.

Objective of the Seed Import/Export (Phytosanitary for seed)Workshop include:

• Impart knowledge onprocess management in supportof harmonization;

• Share experiences onphytosanitary issues related toseed;

• Develop a first draft of aprocedures manual for seedimport/export for each country,based on process management,that combines the phytosanitaryand seed quality systems andrequirements and

••••• Discuss and agree on theway forward for implementation.

Objectives of the Variety testingand release workshop include:

••••• Impart knowledge onprocess management in supportof harmonization;

• Share experiences onvariety release;

• Develop a first draft ofprocedures manual for variety

release based on processmanagement;

• Provide technicalspecifications for conductingDistinctness, Uniformity andStability (DUS) tests and Value forCultivation and Use (VCU) forvarious key crops and

• Provide useful informationfor setting a way forward forimplementation of a SADC VarietyRelease system.

At the end of these workshopsparticipants will be equipped withskills and knowledge which willhelp to facilitate a smoothimplementation of a harmonizedseed regulatory system.

The workshops are funded bySwiss Agency for Developmentand Cooperation (SDC) throughSADC Seed Security Network,International Maize and WheatResearch Centre (CIMMYT) andInternational Crops ResearchInstitute for Semi-arid Tropics(ICRISAT) and SustainableCommercialization of Seed inAfrica (SCOSA) through USAID.

SADC Seed Security Network (SSSN) Steering Committee approves work on harmonization ofseed regulations

The fourth SADC Seed SecurityNetwork (SSSN) Board meetingthat was held in December inMaputo, Mozambique approvedwork plans on harmonization ofseed regulations for the year2006.

They include:-

Advancing to policy andpolitical levels work onharmonisation of seedregulations to create a moreenabling environment for seedtrade;

Finalisation of technicalstandards and procedures anddeveloping manuals for

mechanics for implementation andmanagement of:-

(i) a SADC Crop VarietyRegistration and Release System,

(ii) a SADC SeedCertification and QualityAssurance System,

(iii) a SADC Phytosanitary forSeed system

Training in support ofharmonization of seed regulations;

Initiating and Consolidationof work on Intellectual PropertyRights (IPRs) for Seed.

Mrs. Margaret Nyirenda, SADC(left), Mrs. Annamarie Minder, SDC(right)

Speaking earlier during themeeting, the Director of Food,Agriculture and Natural ResourcesDirectorate (FANR) of SADCSecretariat, Mrs. Margaret


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BOTSWANA

Nyirenda who is the Chairpersonof the SSSN Board informed themeeting that the SSSN hadadvanced the process ofharmonization of seed regulationsto a critical stage whereincreased support was requiredto ensure approval at policy and

political levels. She assured themeeting that the Secretariatthrough the Food, Agriculture andNatural Resources Directorate willguide the SSSN into achieving theset goals. The Swissrepresentative Mrs. AnnamarieMinder reiterated the Swiss Agency

for Development andCooperation’s (SDC) continuedsupport to the efforts of foodsecurity in the SADC regionthrough the SADC Seed SecurityNetwork. She was impressed thatmuch had been achieved duringthe year.

CURRENT SEED SITUATION IN THE SADC REGION

In reacting to drought thataffected crops in the country theprevious season, governmentintroduced drought reliefmeasures. These measuresinclude supply of free seed ofmajor crops (sorghum, maize,millet and cowpeas) to smallscale farmers planting not more

that 5 hectares. Government spentover P3 million (600,0000 USD) onseed alone to farmers as adrought relief measure.

The above average rainfallrecorded all over the countrypromises a good yield for mostcrops.. In addition to currentprojected seed production, there is

carry over seeds of 772 tons ofmaize, 1,306 tons of sorghum, 5tons of cowpeas, 3 tons of millet,10 tons of groundnuts and 9 tonsof sunflower for 2004/04 season.

The current outlook suggest deficitin maize cowpeas and millets. Therest of the crops will be in surplus.

Table 1: Seed status in BotswanaSeed Production Projections 2006

National seed Demand 2006 (Tons)

Remarks Crop

Hectarage (Ha) Planted

Certified/QDS Seed (Tons)

Maize 1,011 2,000 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Groundnuts 100 40 Surplus Certified/QDS Seed

Sorghum 7,759 2,000 Surplus Certified/QDS Seed

Cowpea 52 100 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Millet 31 50 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Source: Department of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Agriculture

Recently, US Agency forInternational Development,Regional Centre for SouthernAfrica through Dr. Jerry Brown,Senior Adviser called for ameeting of key peopleandinstitutions involved in seedsystems development activities insouthern Africa 13-15 February,2006 in Gaborone, Botswana.

The meeting was organized topromote greater coordinationacross these activities, especiallythose that are supported orinteract with USAID. The major

sets of project activities discussedincluded SADC Seed SecurityNetwork (SSSN), Iowa StateUniversity, International FertilizerDevelopment Center (IFDC)International Crop ResearchInstitute for Semi-Arid tropics(ICRISAT), International Maize andWheat Improvement Center(CIMMYT), Cornell University,Food, Agriculture and NaturalResources Policy AnalysisNetwork (FANRPAN), SADC TradeHub, Rutgers University,

Stellenbosch University, andUniversity of Zambia

Representatives of each of theseinitiatives briefly outlined theirprogram objectives, activities andsome of their major results.Discussions highlighted areas ofoverlap and opportunities forgreater collaboration. The meetingstressed the need tocommunicate on what eachinstitution was doing. A websitewill be developed in order tofacilitate this.

Southern African Seed System Development Meeting, February 13-15, 2006

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Table 2: Seed status in Democratic Republic of CongoSeed Production Projections 2006


Remarks Crop



Maize 365 383 1,316 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Groundnuts 237 190 1,525 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Beans 18 15 625 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Cowpea 297 238 350 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Rice 442 1,129 1,304 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Soyabean 237 190 300 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Cassava 765 8,370 Cutting (Km) 53,900 Deficit Cuttings

Source: Department of Extension Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock

MALAWIGeneral crop outlook for thisseason is very good for seedsecurity. Using voucher system,the government has providedfertiliser at subsidized prices tosmall scale farmers targetingmainly maize and tobaccofarmers. Normal price for basaldressing fertilizer is at US$28 for

50 kg bags while the subsidizedone is US$8. This has created anenvironment where fertiliser hasbeen made affordable to moresmall scale farmers.

Vouchers are given to andadministered by headmen. Thisprogramme is working and is set

to continue next growing season.The area planted to hybrid seedmaize has been reduced due tohigher levels of carry over seedstocks. Table 3 below showenough seed for maize and allcrops are in deficit.

Table 3: Seed status in MalawiSeed Production Projections 2006


Remarks Crop



Maize 5,806 18,386 18,000 Surplus Certified/QDS seed


Beans 55 55 2,000 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Soyabean 230 230 1,000 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Sorghum 1 1 50 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Source: Seed Technology Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGOFertilizer problems continue toaffect seed production. There islittle formal seed production in the

country and getting informationcontinues to be a problem becauseof poor infrastructure. The little

information available suggeststhat all seed crops are in deficit.


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MAURITIUS

Ministry of Agriculture is the soleofficial producer of seed inMauritius. This production catersfor 60% of the requirement of

growers locally. The rest of theisland’s requirement is met byself-production by the growers andminimal imports. Vegetables are

the major seeds produced inMauritius.

Table 4: Seed status in MauritiusSeed Production Projections 2006


Remarks Crop



Maize 1 0.6 N/A

Groundnuts 1 0.3 N/A Beans 26 9 N/A Soyabean 2 0.3 N/A Cowpea 1 0.2 N/A

Source: Ministry of Agriculture

MOZAMBIQUEFor the current season 2005/06there has been an increase inlocal seed production areascompared for many crops exceptfor maize. However the plantedarea may be affected by floods thatjwere experienced in the centralregion. The season started lateand many farmers are still

p lan t i ngJanuary /Februa ry.Companies tend to contractgrowers late and this will bediscussed at the Seed Forum thatwas created last year to facilitatecoordination. The seedcompanies involved in seedproduction in 206 are PANNAR,Qualita, Dengo Commercial and

IAP TETE and ONG, Africare andone public institution USEBA forbasic seed.

Although there are governmentefforts to promote local seedproduction, the estimatedproduction is still below the totalseed needs fmajor crops.

Table 5: Seed status in Mozambique

Source: Seed Department, National Directorate of Agriculture, Mozambique

N/A: Information not available

Seed Production Projections 2006


Remarks Crop



Maize 1,722 8,035 26,410 Deficit Certified/QDS seed



Soyabean 28 33 N/A

Sorghum 10 6 152 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Cowpea 72 72 12,376 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Rice 319 967 13,894 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

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NAMIBIAA common feature across thecrop-producing areas in Namibiawas the late onset of the rains.

The late start of the seasonincreased the demand forimproved, short duration varietiesof maize and pearl millet. While aserious shortage of maize seed

was reported from the CapriviRegion, which led to interventionsin seed supply by the Interim SeedCouncil in late December(provision of financial support fromthe Namibian Agronomic Board toa regional wholesaler for thepurchase of maize seed).

Seed ProductionIn the North, Central Regions, theoff-season seed multiplication offoundation seed in 2005 ensuredthat sufficient seed the productionof certified seed is available (pearlmillet, cowpea).

SOUTH AFRICAThe area estimated for white grainmaize is about 1 Million hectares,which represents a decrease of44% compared to the 1.7 millionhectares planted last year. In thecase of yellow maize the areaestimate is 594,000 hectares orapproximately 47% less than the1million hectares planted lastseason.

The preliminary area estimated forsunflower seed is 492,000hectares, which is about 7% morethan the 460,000 ha planted theprevious season.

The area estimated forsorghum decreased sharplyby 69%, from 86,500 hectaresto 26,570 hectares against theprevious season.

For groundnuts the areaestimated is 44,000 hectares,which is 11% more than the40,000 ha planted for the previousseason.

It is estimated that 208,000hectares have been planted tosoyabeans, which represents anincrease of 39% compared to the150 000 hectares planted lastseason.

In the case of dry beans the areaestimated is 55,000 hectares or12% more than the 49,300hectares planted the previousseason.

The current seed situation is thatthere is enough carry over seedfor maize and sorghum. The

carryover seed is enough to plant3 Million hectares of grain maize.Given this scenarior, very littlemaize seed has been planted. Itis estimated that only 20% of thetotal maize production will beproduced this year. The same istrue for sorghum seed whereless hectarage has beendedicated to seed production.

Other crops however, remain inthe same range of production asthe previous years.

The South African National SeedAssociation (SANSOR) which ischarged with the responsibility ofcollecting seed statistics will onlyhave a clear picture in May whena survey is generally conducted

Table 6: Seed Status in South AfricaSeed Production Projections 2006


Remarks Crop


Certified/QDS Seed

Maize N/A N/A 14,167

Groundnuts N/A N/A 4,000

Beans N/A N/A 2,375

Soyabean N/A N/A 8,850 Sorghum N/A N/A 322 Sunflower N/A N/A 6,210

Source: South African National Seed Organisation (SANSOR)

SWAZILAND

Adequate amounts of differentseed varieties were available at

various seed outlets at the start ofthe planting season. Credit to

purchase was available fromvarious financial institutions.

N/A: Information not available


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Farmers who have joined themaize production scheme obtainsome assistance in the form ofaccess to tractors and are givenon loan inputs enough to ploughand plant a one-hectare field andpay back the loan after harvestingand selling the produce. Inputsinclude lime, fertilizers, seeds andinsecticides. At present certainareas are designated maizeblocks in all the four regions ofSwaziland and each covers about50 hectares each. They are up tofour by fifty hectare fields (50 x 4)per region planted under thisscheme. Farmers are nowexperiencing higher yields as aresult of this effort whichcomplements the National MaizeCompetition (NAMCOM) an annualevent by the SwazilandGovernment and variousstakeholders including inputsuppliers, millers various agro-industry based entities. Thiscurrent year national price winnerproduced over twelve tonnes ofmaize per hectare and obtainedvarious farmer inputs and piecesof equipment (motorized maizeSheller, 5000 liter water tank etc.

The Government of Swaziland incollaboration with FAO facilitatedthe holding of Seed/Input Fairsstarting on the 14th November andlasting 14 days where a numberof Companies involved in the saleof farm inputs market theirproducts. Small-scale seed firmsoperated by individual farmers orfarmers groups also participatedin these fairs and were sellingquality declared seed of mainlylegumes (groundnuts, cowpeas,sesame and jugo beans). Thesuccess of this activity was due

to the generosity of internationaldonors who financed the printingof vouchers and subsequentredemption (exchange for cash bythe venders at the end of the fairs.The vouchers were given to thevulnerable households with whichthey purchase the preferred inputsand other requirements. Thisyears activity catered for up to 10000 beneficiaries.

Late rains delayed the planting ofthe various commercial crops andthe countrywide distribution wasalso not good as some places arereceiving very little rains or theamount was inadequate forploughing and planting. Varioushouseholds could not plant at all.Those that planted some were hitby a recurrent drought (dry spell)at the most critical stage of cropgrowth resulting in total crop loss.This affected mainly the earlyplanted crops of which only asmall percentage will have a goodcrop.

Some areas are still experiencingup to three weeks of intense heatand drought but the occasionalrainfall in some parts of thecountry improved production eventhough it is only a small proportionof the total land area.

Seed ProductionLate rains had a minor effect onthe maize seed production as allthe hybrids and Open pollinatedmaize seed is produced underirrigation. The crop is presently atearly flowering or Grain fillingstage.

Local production of On-farm seedof legumes is being promoted anda number of farmers throughout

the country are currently beingassisted. The Seed QualityControl, Swaziland Legume SeedProducers Association (KelloggFoundation sponsoredprogramme), Agric ExtensionService of the Ministry ofAgriculture are all taking part inthe promotion and production ofOn-farm seed of Bambaragroundnuts (Jugo beans) andgroundnuts. These farmers areproducing Bambara groundnutsseed, sesame, cowpeas andcover crop seed to be used inconservation agricultureprogramme. The output from thisexercise is expected to increasethe land area under legumes andimprove household food securityon these crops.

In the formal seed sector Hybridmaize, Sunflower, Cotton andField Beans have all been plantedand at various stages of growth.The bulk of our seed is importedfrom neighbouring countries andthe rest of SADC.

The area anticipated for maizeseed production of both openpollinated and hybrid had beenexpected to increase. This was asa result of increased promotionand open declaration by theSwaziland Development andSavings Bank that funds will bemade available for the financing ofentities interested in being involvedin seed production. This effortwas hindered by inadequatequantities of basic seed.

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Table 8: Seed Status in ZambiaSeed Production Projections 2006


Remarks Crop



Maize 7,289 58,312 20,500 Surplus Certified/QDS Seed

Groundnuts 667 1,133 2,414 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Beans 311 621 486 Surplus Certified/QDS Seed

Cowpea 268 268 154 Surplus Certified/QDS Seed

Rice 33 98 2 Surplus Certified/QDS Seed

Soyabean 1,301 5,203 2,218 Surplus Certified/QDS Seed

Sorghum 839 4,193 126 Surplus Certified/QDS Seed

Millet 52 104 3 Surplus Certified/QDS Seed

Source: Seed Control and Certification Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives

ZIMBABWE

Better seed yields are expectedthis year because of the good

rains the country is experiencing.However lack of fertilizers may

depress yields and quality of seed.All seed crops are in deficits.

ZAMBIA

The good season experienced islikely to have a positive effect on

seed yields.Most crops are insurplus for seed.

Table 7: Seed Status in SwazilandSeed Production Projections 2006


Remarks Crop


Certified/QDS Seed

Maize 46 138 1,498 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Groundnuts 15 6 N/A

Beans 32 29 N/A

Source: Seed Quality Control Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Swaziland


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Seed Production Projections 2006


Remarks Crop



Maize 7,127 42,758 70,000 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed



Cowpea 211 316 9,000 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Soyabean 1,955 5,866 32,000 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Sorghum 813 1,300 4,000 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Millet 78 63 1,400 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Sunflower 1 1 600 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Cotton 6.440 3,864 13,00 Deficit Certified/QDS Seed

Source: Seed Services, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural development

Table 9: Seed Status in Zimbabwe

sadc seed security network · agriculture and natural resources (fanr) directorate, has been...

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