Govt praises Seed co for seed delivery in Mugubundu

—Chipata District Commissioner, Kalunga Zulu, has praised Seed Co for supplementing government’s efforts by taking seed and fertilizer closer to farmers in Mugubudu area in Chief Chanje’s area in the district.

Mr Zulu stated that the move will assist farmers cut on costs incurred during procurement and transportation of the seeds in town and also time spent on the road to get the seeds from town.

He said this in a speech read for him by Chief Agricultural Officer, Chinyanta Kambole, at a ceremony to commission a one stop shop in Mugubudu centre, yesterday.

“What Seed co has done today is a landmark that will go a long way in the lives of our farmers because Seed co has brought four preferred seed varieties closer to the community,” said Mr Zulu.

Mr Zulu, however, warned the farmers from buying seed from the black market as dong so only compromise their crop yields.

He said recycled seed also makes farmers susceptible to hunger as productivity is affected as yields are low.

The DC said government has created enabling environment for the private sector to flourish with a view to enhance productivity of farmers at household level hence the need to make use of such innovative measure to improve food security.

Mr Zulu noted that Seed co has gone a step further to employ extension officers who are called Sales Agronomists whose job is to provide agronomic advice on how farmers can improve productivity based on new farming technologies.

He stated that government has given priority to sustainable agriculture through the provision of good environment for seed companies to operate and invest in the country by providing quality seed varieties to farmers.

And Seed co Regional Manager, Victor Gondwe, warned farmers against purchasing the commodity from the black market.

Mr Gondwe said the company was aware of unscrupulous businessmen who were using its brand to sell seed to unsuspecting farmers.

He urged farmers who come across such people to report to the nearest police station or the company.

He further revealed that other seeds which farmers can purchase from the shop include soya, beans, sorghum, wheat and vegetable seedlings.