CROSAT calls on presence  of safer quality seeds system

They gave the statement during a second annual meeting where the key agenda was on proper use of seeds and pesticides.

Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Sokoine University (SUA), Prof Maulid Mwatawala said when researchers and members of CROSAT use their expertise and knowledge they will be able to help the country’s agricultural sector.

“I am engaged in plant health, where we do research that will help farmers address problematic plants, many farmers use wrong pesticides or use them excessively contrary to the indicated amount; this affects the environment, the health of consumers and the crops,” he said.

He said there are alternative methods including the use of friendly insecticides and alternative farming methods.

He also said researchers have done a great job to ensure the availability of international markets that depend on exported farm produce that is not impacted by insects

“Recently, Tanzania gained an agreement to sell its Avocados in India and other countries. Previously, we were banned from exporting to these countries for more than 10 years, because our products had pests. Consumers in those countries feared we could take the pests to their countries,” he said

“Avocadoes were highly impacted by hazardous flies but the Agriculture Ministry recently issued guidelines on how we can develop production of avocados and how we can deal with pests and diseases so that we can produce quality avocados,” he added.

Prof Joseph Ndunguru, Director of Tanzania Plant Health Pesticide Authority (TPHPA) said the objective of the meeting was to exchange ideas, expertise and experience to add value to the various crops

He said as a member and Director of the authority, one among their key responsibilities is to supervise the use of pesticides and health of plants.

He said the existence of the association is vital to use the platform to obtain information on developments taking place in the agricultural sector.

“The use of pesticides in agriculture is important but it is crucial to ensure that farmers use them properly to get positive results,” he said.

Prof Kallunde Sibuga, Chairman of the meeting who is the Senior Lecturer of the Crop Science and Horticulture at Sokoine University in Morogoro, emphasized on the importance of quality seeds and proper use of pesticides.

He said CROSAT aims to address paramount issues that affect crop production and ensure food security.

According to CROSAT Secretary General, Patrick Ngwediagi, there is a need to have a strong seed system that will enable the availability and accessibility of quality seeds.

He added that the system will also oversee the proper and safer utilization of pesticides to protect human health and the environment.

“Considering the existence of the reformed constitution, CROSAT verifies its role to defend the policy and plans that support these objectives,” he pointed out.

The two-day meeting provided an opportunity for discussions and engagement in knowledge sharing, bringing together experts, policy makers, researchers and other stakeholders who have invested in crop science and development in agriculture.