Malawi to align its seed regulations to COMESA system
Malawi is planning to align its seed regulations to the region through Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) Seed Harmonization Implementation Plan (COMSHIP).
Secretary for Agriculture, Erica Maganga said in Lilongwe on Friday during the official opening of the National Seed Consultative Meeting that COMSHIP is intended to bring about a framework of implementation plans that include modalities at national and regional level as well as a transparent, coherent, monitoring, application, improvement and domestication of COMESA seed trade harmonization regulations.
“This will contribute to achieving accelerated agricultural growth, a well structured seed industry development that is not only necessary but very essential,” she said.
She observed that a competitive seed industry well linked to the world seed industry is able to deliver a steady stream of new varieties for all the relevant crops.
COMESA representative John Mukuka said that there is need for member states to harmonize their seed regulations to the COMESA seed systems.
“There are a lot of opportunities for member states if they align their seed trade regulations to the COMESA because they will not have limits in terms of where to sell their seed varieties as they will do cross border trade in the region and beyond,” he said.
He added that through the harmonization of seed regulations, the influx of fake seed on the market will reduce because companies in the region will have security features on their products.
Malawi as an agriculture country which relies on seed to grow its crops like maize, tea, tobacco, coffee, cotton and rice among others.
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what are the implications of “aligning seed regulations”?
This could mean a slight re-wording OR a major shift in policy with big implications for Malawi seed producers.
Can you go back and ask some questions?
Seek answers then explain to your readers what it al means for us.
OK?
Streangthening local seed systems is the real solution to realize food and nutrition security. This harmonization process is wide opening Malawi to the giant seed companies to make profits at the cost of Malawi’s local seed varaities.
As long as this supports local indigenous seed supplies and natural diversity and Does Not allow for genetically engineered species to enter Malawi’s borders, I can live with the easing of the seed process. But with what was in this article, it raises a red flag for me warning me to look deeper as it. Sounds like the seed companies are trying to push a controlling agenda at the expense of Malawian species.