Mozambique stops importing seeds for agricultural production

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Mozambique stops importing seeds for agricultural production

11:41 CAT | 27 Nov 2017

Notícias

Mozambique will stop importing basic seeds for agriculture from the 2017/2018 planting season, which started a month ago, and rely on national production, the Mozambican press reports.

According to David Mariote, head of the Department of Basic Seed Unit of the Institute of Agricultural Research of Mozambique (IIAM), the measure aims both to ensure that more producers have access to seeds and to reduce import costs.

To respond to demand, authorities will give 42 companies the means to produce certified seeds to supply the country’s small farmers.

In the current agricultural campaign, specialised companies are expected to supply about 65 tons of seeds, with priority given to cereals and legumes.

The IIAM also plans to provide 12 million cassava cuttings, 2,000 sweet potato plants and unspecified amounts of vegetable seeds.

The strategy to supply small producers relies on the support of a number of partners, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Bank.

According to official data, Mozambique has four million registered producers, the majority in the provinces of Zambézia and Nampula, in central and northern Mozambique respectively.

Source: Lusa