Farmers told to embrace modern seeds
MWANZA: FARMERS have been urged to adopt quality seeds and modern agricultural technologies to increase productivity, withstand the effects of climate change and boost incomes through commercial farming.
Speaking yesterday at the Nane Nane West Lake Zone Agricultural Exhibition at Nyamhongolo Grounds in Mwanza, Ukerewe District Commissioner Christopher Ngubiagai said the use of improved seeds and modern farming technologies is essential to increasing agricultural production and ensuring food security.
He also called on seed companies to continue investing in the production of improved seed varieties to help farmers achieve higher yields and better-quality harvests.
Mr Ngubiagai said agriculture remains a key pillar of the national economy, noting that growing global food demand presents greater opportunities for farmers to increase production and expand markets.
“Agriculture is a business with enormous opportunities. We should invest more in productive farming to strengthen the economy and improve livelihoods,” he said.
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Easi Seed Company representative Mr Makka Elias urged farmers to use the firm’s improved seed varieties, saying they produce higher yields, better-quality crops and are more resilient to production challenges.
Meanwhile, Magu District Council Senior Agricultural Officer Mr Baguma Linus encouraged farmers to embrace climate-smart agriculture by adopting water-efficient irrigation technologies to sustain production in drought-prone areas.
He also advised farmers to grow drought-tolerant crops, adopt improved farming practices and invest in commercial crop and horticultural production to increase incomes.
Mr Baguma said the exhibition offers farmers an opportunity to learn about new technologies in crop production, processing and storage, while creating market opportunities through the display of agricultural products and value-added goods.
