Community Technology Development Trust-Zambia (CTDT) Executive Director, Charles Nkhoma, has called on government, through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), to prioritize the purchase of organic local seed varieties instead of relying heavily on hybrid maize.
Mr. Nkhoma expressed concern that government policies have sidelined organic, re-plantable local seeds in favor of hybrid seed, a move he described as detrimental to food security and nutrition.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, Mr. Nkhoma emphasized the need for policies that will promote and preserve organic local seeds, which he said are richer in nutritional value compared to hybrids.
“FRA needs to start buying all organic maize grown from local seed because it has higher nutritional benefits,” said Mr. Nkhoma.
He further warned that the continued neglect and non-promotion of organic maize poses a threat to the country’s seed diversity and long-term agricultural sustainability.
Angel Kasabo
