Seed and Fertilizers Division

Overview 

Under the supervision of the Directorate of Agriculture Development, the Seed and Fertilizers Division provides oversight on supply chains activities for seed and fertilizers in the country. Key among the supply chain activities include planning and coordination for the production and delivery of the different categories of seed required in the country to meet farmer needs across cropping seasons (Local Seed Production Program). The planning, supply and distribution of subsidized seeds and fertilizers are equally coordinated under the Seed and Fertilizers Division. In close collaboration with RICA, the activities of seed quality testing by the national seed laboratory are carried-out under the Division. Through the seed and fertilizers division, the emerging private seed private seed industry actors are mobilised and provided with technical backstopping towards professionalisation. The Seed and Fertilizers Division performs its functions through 3 main services (programs), namely: (i) The Local Seed Development Program; the Input (Seed & Fertilizer) Subsidy Program; and (iii) the National Seed Testing Laboratory.

Key responsibilities of the Seed and Fertilizers Division

• • Devising initiatives and oversight on the implementation of all the activities that promote the availability of adequate quality seed and fertilizers for use by farmers in the country;
  • Ensuring that the comprehensive joint production plans for the different categories of seed are timely developed and implemented annually;
  • Mobilization of stakeholders’ engagement and investment in the activities that promote the availability of adequate seeds and fertilizers in the country;
  • Overseeing and monitoring the implementation of plans for the production of different categories of seed both on RAB Stations and private seed producers;
  • Ensuring that all the inputs, materials and equipment required for on-Station production and processing of seed are timely procured and delivered;
  • Coordinate efforts for resources mobilization and budgeting to support the implementation of the planned activities;
  • Coordinate establishment of mechanisms that promote improved forecasting of demand for seeds and fertilizers to allow for effective planning and supply of the needed quantities of inputs;
  • Put in place mechanisms that enhance efficiency in the availability and timely delivery of seeds and fertilizers to farmers during cropping seasons;
  • Coordinate and ensure the implementation of policies and regulations related seed and fertilizers supply and use in the country;
  • Ensure that the seed delivered to farmers meets the required quality standards by empowering seed production technicians to adequately provide the required technical backstopping to private seed producers and conducting of thorough laboratory testing for all the seed consignments before their distribution to farmers;
  • Coordinate the development and use of innovative tools to ensure the delivery of seeds and fertilizers distributed for use farmers in districts are adequately monitored;
  • In collaboration with districts, input suppliers, retailers (Agro-dealers); coordinate the timely supply and distribution of seeds and fertilizers to farmers in the country;
  • Spearhead the creation of multi-stakeholder engagements along the crop value chains in order to promote the supply and use of improved seeds and fertilizers by farmers;
  • Promote the strengthening and coordination of the different seed and fertilizers stakeholders’ fora that advance the development and improved delivery of the agro-input sub-sector in the country;
  • Ensure coordination of activities, projects and assets that the efficient delivery of seed services is duly supported and that public finances and goods are well managed;