The Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) is stepping up efforts to encourage farmers to use quality seeds that suit their local environments and can resist the impacts of climate change, with the aim of raising agricultural productivity and bolstering food security. The drive is part of the agency's involvement in World Food Day celebrations in Tanga Region, where farmers visiting its exhibition pavilion have been learning about different improved seed varieties, their characteristics, suitable growing conditions and proper usage.
ASA Marketing Officer Suzan Ludovick said the agency was using the celebrations to teach farmers how to select seeds based on the climatic conditions and environments of their areas. The agency is promoting adoption of seed varieties capable of withstanding various environmental challenges, including maize variety T105, which can tolerate both drought conditions and excessive rainfall. Choosing appropriate seed varieties is essential in helping farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and maintain agricultural production under different climatic conditions, Ms Ludovick said.
Tanga Regional Commissioner Ambassador Dr Batilda Salha Burian commended the agricultural technologies on display, noting that modern farming technologies and quality seeds were important in increasing production and improving productivity. She urged members of the public, particularly farmers, to take advantage of the celebrations to learn about new agricultural technologies and access reliable information to help them make informed decisions in their farming activities.