The Center for Technology Development Trust- CTDT- is calling on the government to include local seeds in the national seed system.
CTDT National Director Charles Nkhoma, says the seed sector is crucial for agriculture, food security, and rural communities in Zambia.
Speaking to journalists in Lusaka on inclusive seed legislation, Nkhoma highlighted that Farmer Managed Seed Systems play a significant role in meeting the country’s seed needs but are not formally recognized in seed laws, creating uncertainty.
He emphasized that updating seed laws through the Seed Control and Certification Institute can support these systems, promote agricultural diversity, and benefit smallholder farmers.
And Zambia Alliance of Agroecology and Biodiversity National Coordinator Mutinta Nketani cautioned against joining the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants -UPOV, as it may limit national control over seed production and distribution.