Farmers in Dokolo district have demanded that the government establish seed banks across the country for the preservation and multiplication of indigenous seeds.

They say the prevalence of improved seeds, known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), encouraged by the government and other organizations, has fueled the disappearance and devaluation of indigenous seeds, causing food insecurity.

Mr. Peter Okello, a farmer from Dokolo district, says the adoption of these new improved varieties of crops is the main reason for the loss of indigenous varieties.

“Back then, we had local varieties of seeds and crops like cassava and sweet potato, but today all these varieties are lost, except those of improved seeds,” he said. he declared at the launch of “Keep Your Land, Keep”. Your Seed” event in Okwongdul Sub-County, Dokolo District on weekends.

The event was organized by the Land and Equity Movement Uganda (LEMU) in partnership with other non-governmental organizations working in the land and food sectors in Uganda.

Due to the lack of seed banks, Ms Okello said farmers depend on the market for their seeds.

“Seed banks, once established, could serve as a crucial measure in the fight against overfishing and environmental degradation, thereby safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers who have resorted to these major economic activities due to the “food insecurity caused by low agricultural yields,” he added.

Ms Anna Adongo, another farmer, said the government should not only create seed banks but also promote local seed production through massive farmer mobilization and training.

“We advocate for policies that recognize the value of indigenous breeds in biodiversity and cultural heritage,” she added.

Mr Jimmy Ochom, Land Rights Coordinator at Oxfam in Uganda, said: “We call on the government to ensure that the National Agricultural Research Organization and other agricultural institutions have community seed banks and, more broadly, seed banks of national seeds.

Ms Naume Kabanda, Acting Director of Land Management at the Ministry of Lands, supported the idea of ​​establishing seed banks in the country.

“It’s an interesting idea to have a seed bank where you keep seeds that can be grown, because modern seeds, which we call hybrid or improved seeds, cannot be regenerated. This means the farmer has to keep going back to the market to buy more seeds,” she said.

“A seed bank is therefore a welcome idea. I think the Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has provided seedlings for many crops, but they should consider, for example, a seed bank of local seeds as well as a seed bank other varieties like beans and chicken.

Mr. Muhammad Lunyago of LEMU said that in addition to the government establishing community seed banks, civil society organizations should intensify knowledge transfer programs on indigenous seeds.

“Reserve a plot of land in at least every parish to preserve, multiply, reproduce and distribute native seeds, vegetables, herbs, animals and fruits. This would also be one of the best preservation practices,” he said. he added.