Kenyan-based seed producers could benefit from higher sales after 21 Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) member-countries sanctioned adoption of seed tracking technology mPedigree.
Speaking during a Comesa Secretariat training for seed companies on ordering, use and trading using the Comesa seed labels and certificates in Zambia, mPedigree Global Strategy director Selorm Branttie said this will at the same time open up a market of up to 80 million smallholder farmers.
“The system will assist the region to not only eliminate cases of fake agro-inputs such as seeds, fertilisers and crop protection products but also boost trade in quality and improved certified seed,” said Mr Branttie.
At the Comesa Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA) Seed meeting, Kenya’s Industry and Agriculture director Thierry Kalonji welcomed the development saying food production across Africa will gradually increase with farmers reaping handsome returns from using genuine inputs sourced from the region.
“Every seed package will have a Comesa sticker whereby Comesa will work with the National Seed Authorities to ensure that fake agro-inputs like seeds are eradicated from the market,” he said.
