Page 4 - final REDFS Annual Newsletter

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Newsletter
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Newsletter N ewslett er
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ress of the certification efficiency. To this end,
1. Seed Certification Capacity Project seed quality control is characterized by lack of
1. S eed Certification Cap acit y Pr oject
in Et
in Ethiopia well experienced technical staff, logistic, infra-
hiopia
hiopia
State of seed certification in Ethiopia structure and testing facilities.
at
St
e of seed certification in Et
ustained increase in production and pro-
ductivity of crops depends, to a large extent, According to the new National Seed Proc-

on development of new and improved vari- lamation of the country (Proc No. 782/2013)

eties of crops, quality seed and the existence seed certification is decentralized and regional

of enabling policy and regulatory measures. authorities are responsible to conduct all sorts
The seed sector in Ethiopia is a complex chain of seed certification activities by themselves.

where formal, informal and intermediate and However, they lack capacity to support the

emergency seed programs operate in the sup- growing industry. In-spite of emerging new
ply of seed as a means of increasing crop pro- seed actors and testing protocols, additional

duction and productivity, roles deployed to the regulators, fragmented

seed production sites and others. At federal
Seed quality certification process is a multiple
level, the Ministry of Agriculture is mandated
concept with several components including
to certify the imported and exported seed in addi-
seed field quality, physical and genetic purity,
tion to responsibilities in charge of variety release
freedom from noxious weeds and seed borne
and registration of new varieties. At present there
diseases, high germination capacity and vigor
are 16 regional and one federal (MoA) seed
as well as safe moisture content. The procedure
laboratories found in the country to conduct the
ensures that quality requirements are fulfilled
quality test and certify seeds. The MoA seed test-
and made evident to the buyer or consumer.
ing laboratory provides back stopping service
Such activities are undertaken by the national
to the regional laboratories. The federal seed
and regional laboratories to check those quali-
laboratory continually cross checks and test
ty parameters are in conformity with the coun-
results of the regional laboratories taking a du-
try field and laboratory standards.
plicate sample.
Seed quality control and certification in the

country have been exposed to frequent struc-
The seed certification capacity project is meant
tural reforms since the ages of the National
to digitalizing variety release, seed inspection,
Seed Industry Agency that was established 20
certification and tracking systems where de-
years back to oversee and create enabling en-
tails are as follows.
vironment for smooth operation of the seed

sector. The absence of such type of organiza-

tional structure has resulted in pending prog-

T oget her w e can mak e a diff er ence!
T oget her w e can mak e a diff er ence!
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