WINDHOEK, June 13 — Namibia is in the process of modernizing its agricultural sector by finalizing seed and seed varieties regulations, aiming to strengthen its agricultural industry and improve food security.
Speaking at a stakeholders consultative workshop to discuss the proposed regulations on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Anna Shiweda emphasized the importance of the new regulations in managing seed production, processing, and distribution.
She noted that the regulations will facilitate the registration and control of seed producers, processors, and dealers, as well as manage seed imports and exports.
Shiweda highlighted the commitment to establishing a well-organized and formalized seed industry to ensure quality seed production, which is vital for food and nutrition security, particularly in the face of climate change.
According to Shiweda, the new regulations align with the Southern African Development Community protocols for seed certification and quality assurance while the semi-arid nation will also establish key regulatory bodies such as the Namibia Seed Council and the Seed Certification Service.
The workshop is aimed at gathering input from various stakeholders to finalize these regulations, which are crucial for the regulation and standardization of seed quality in Namibia, she said.
Agriculture is a critical sector in Namibia, with about 70 percent of the population depending on it for their livelihoods.
The sector includes both communal farmers, who often rely on traditional practices and farm-saved seeds, and commercial farmers, who invest heavily in modern farming techniques.
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