AU launches initiative to boost access to quality seeds

The African Union(AU) launched a new initiative to improve access to quality seeds for small-scale farmers across the African continent amid efforts to boost food production in the post COVID-19 pandemic era. Various studies estimate that farmers in Africa lose up to 70 percent of their food production because of low quality or counterfeit seeds. Under the new initiative, the idea is to replicate best practices in seed production and certification from one country to many African countries. It also involves sharing research findings across the continent with seed companies to ensure quicker implementation by the farmers.