Strengthening Seed Trade Systems for Increased Seed Trade in the EAC and COMESA Region
Team of EAC and COMESA visiting MLN screening facility, Naivasha, Kenya
Learning Visit to CIMMYT MLN Screening Facility in Naivasha.
Picture courtesy : Loise Wagaki, USAID Feed the future program
Mr.Simon Maina (KEPHIS) and Dr. Suresh,L.M. (CIMMYT) : A team of seed sector players visited the CIMMYT MLN screening facility in Naivasha on 18th September 2019. The consisted of senior leadership from targeted countries in the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region including Southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia and Kenya. Participants included regulators, researchers, policy makers and representatives of National Seed Associations and seed companies from these countries. Organizations involved in support of Research and Development within the region such as AGRA and Syngenta Foundation were represented. COMESA Secretariat was also represented. The visit was organized by Africa Lead in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MoALF) and KEPHIS.
One of the objectives of the visit was and to share best practices, emerging models and opportunities for efficient seed certification and Trade facilitation including private seed inspection, seed multiplication and mechanisms for cross border coordination and dialogue.
Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) is one of the major threats affecting the quality of seed and subsequently productivity of maize in the region. The visit to the MLN screening facility was therefore very relevant.
During the visit, the team appreciated the screening work especially maize lines and hybrids exhibiting high tolerance to MLN. They were briefed on the viruses causing MLN and how they manifest on the maize plant. They also appreciated the use of a rapid diagnostic kit to detect presence of MLN causing viruses in the plant, which is very useful in the field.
One of the key aspects noted was the collaborative effort between KEPHIS and CIMMYT in screening maize varieties undergoing National Performance Trials (NPT) for tolerance to MLN. In this joint effort, CIMMYT undertakes inoculation and management of the trials, while KEPHIS carries out data collection. Through this effort, eleven (11) MLN tolerant varieties have been released in Kenya.
Mr.Simon Maina (KEPHIS) mentioned that “The MLN testing facility is a game changer in the fight against MLN. We have seen tangible results in only few years as evidenced by official release of 11 MLN tolerant maize varieties screened at facility”.
Participants observed that this is a premier facility for the rejoin and appreciated the high standards of operation including quarantine measures and the professionalism exhibited by the staff. They noted the key role played by the facility in facilitating availability of maize varieties tolerant to MLN for trading in the region.
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