Ensuring food security and nutrition in Ethiopia is a top priority for the Ethiopia Netherlands Seed Partnership. To achieve this, the partnership focuses on private sector development and has selected local private seed companies to strengthen their institutional, physical, and technical capacity. The ultimate goal is doubling their production, both in terms of value and diversity of products in their portfolio and increase the quality and volume of improved seeds marketed, leading to higher yields and income for smallholder farmers.
Recently, Hulume Plant and Seed Multiplication PLC, one of the private local seed companies, organized a field visit at Adilo woreda on November 13, 2023. The visit aimed to strengthen the linkage between seed producers and farmers, promote better communication and understanding, enhance technical capacity, and collaboration among stakeholders in the seed sector.
During the visit, Hulume Plant and Seed Multiplication PLC demonstrated four different improved varieties of haricot bean being promoted by the company at its production site. Participants were given clarifications on the characteristics of each variety in terms of adaptability, productivity, and maturity period. This information helped farmers identify the best varieties based on their specific preferences.
The field visit was a success, with over 137 people in attendance, including representatives from the Bureau of Agriculture, agricultural input regulatory bodies, smallholder farmers, ENSP, and other partner organizations. The exchange visit served as a platform for stakeholders to engage in fruitful discussion and linkage among themselves.
The focus of the project to strengthen the private seed sector is a step in the right direction towards achieving its goal of ensuring the private sector in Ethiopia delivers farming men and women high-quality seed of improved varieties much needed for food security, nutrition, and climate resilience. Strengthening local private seed companies will not only benefit smallholder farmers but also contribute to sustainable farming practices. The successful exchange visit organized by Hulume Plant and Seed Multiplication PLC is proof that collaboration among stakeholders in the seed sector can lead to positive results.
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