Togo: Launch of seed distribution operation for vulnerable farmers
On Thursday, August 1, 2024, the Minister of Agriculture, through the Food System Resilience Program in West Africa (FSRP Togo), in collaboration with the Institute of Advice and Technical Support (ICAT), began the tour of distributing certified seeds to vulnerable farmers in the Maritime region. The seeds, including fortified organic maize, rice, soybeans, and cowpeas, will benefit 28,362 vulnerable farmers across four regions of Togo.
This support from the FSRP builds on the assistance provided in 2023 to approximately 22,746 farmers in the Savanes region and Kéran prefecture. The provision of these inputs will enable vulnerable farmers to improve their productive capacities while increasing crop yields during the second rainy season.
Sewonou Yao, head of the extension service at ICAT Maritime, indicated that 40% of a good yield depends on the quality of seeds. “I am confident that if these farmers we support follow the technical guidelines and with the blessing of rain, we will achieve yields of, on average, 2.5 tons per hectare for maize, 333 kg per hectare for rain-fed rice, and 6 tons for irrigated rice”, emphasized the service chief.
The implementation of FSRP Togo is carried out in collaboration with local authorities, farmer organizations, and agricultural research institutions. The distribution of certified seeds is organized to effectively reach the most vulnerable farmers, taking into account their specific needs and providing training on good agricultural practices. This includes water management, fertilization, and pest control techniques.
By accessing quality seeds, farmers can grow more productive and resilient varieties, leading to increased yields and incomes. This improvement in production contributes to household food security and the reduction of rural poverty.
