“Future for the seeds and varieties access in the Seychelles” Workshop was held at the Coco D’or Hotel on the 7th of August 2024. Funded by the European Union (EU) in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and the Centre Internationale de Recherche en Agronomie pour le Developpement (CIRAD). A workshop organized under the Regional Food Sec-Semence project. A representative from La Reunion, Mr. Jeremi Salinier coordinated the workshop with the assistance of Dr. Nelson Charles focal point for the project from the Agriculture Department.
The specific aim of the Food-Sec Semence project (2021-2025) in the Indian Ocean is to improve farmers’ access to quality seeds and seedlings. In the Seychelles, the project focuses on three main crops: maize, cassava and beans. The project is part of the regional programme to support food and nutritional security in the Indian Ocean region.
The PS. Of Agriculture Department presented his remarks on the initiative of such project which is valuable to improve the food security of Seychelles. As this is one major objective of the Agriculture Department, the PS also stated that, Food Security begins with easy access to seeds of good germination and quality for farmers, and adapted varieties of seed must be available for our local farmers.
The purpose of the workshop was to gather pertinent information from farmers and stakeholders involved with the importation of seeds and its usage. The different challenges they encounter and way forward to foster a robust seed production chain. With this initiative the stakeholders managed to have correlated discussions and group works which enabled the coordinator to draft further recommendations towards a comprehensive national action plan which will in future facilitate farmers to have access to diverse and resilient seed varieties.
With this collaborated approach, the Department welcomes such project enhancement and willing to contribute towards the promotion of sustainable agriculture in the country.