‘Govt backs ecological farming’

DODOMA: THE government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing ecological agriculture in collaboration with key stakeholders, including Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Tanzania, to ensure the practice delivers greater benefits to farmers and the nation at large.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Stephen Nindi, made the remarks yesterday in Dodoma while officiating at the celebrations to mark 30 years of PELUM Tanzania. “

I acknowledge the significant achievements PELUM has recorded over the past 30 years, including its effective participation in the formulation of agricultural and rural land policies, laws, plans and strategies,” Dr Nindi said.

He further cited additional accomplishments such as PELUM’s contribution to the National Ecological Organic Agriculture Strategy, seed legislation and the development of guidelines for farmermanaged seed production.

Dr Nindi noted that the ministry will continue working with PELUM Tanzania and other partners involved in indigenous seeds to support the registration of traditional farmer varieties. So far, 13 traditional seed varieties have been registered and are now legally recognised.

The PS stated that the ministry will establish a national seed gene bank, in collaboration with ecological agriculture stakeholders, to preserve and develop indigenous seed biodiversity.

He said that strengthening ecological agriculture will help the country respond more effectively to the challenges posed by climate change, increase productivity and enhance food security while raising farmers’ incomes.

Dr Nindi also urged stakeholders in the agriculture sector to take part in the on-going review of the 2013 National Agriculture Policy.

Farmers practicing ecological agriculture, who attended the celebrations, commended PELUM Tanzania for providing training and supporting the use of traditional seeds.

A farmer from Kilimanjaro Region, Ms Mary Mbaga, said traditional seeds have helped her improve her income, educate her children and support her family. She explained that ecological farming, using traditional seeds increases yields, enabling farmers to sell surplus produce and generate more income.

Ms Mbaga noted that traditional seeds are of high quality and help maintain soil fertility for longer periods compared to hybrid or nonindigenous seeds.

“Using traditional seeds and ecological farming practices benefits the whole community. Those of us who grow and use indigenous seeds never lack food in any season,” she said.

Ms Mbaga called on the government, together with development partners, to invest more in promoting traditional seeds and identifying local seed producers, most of whom live in rural areas and make significant contributions to national food production.