Local seed businesses, Amuru farmers’ game changer

Amuru | With their capacity built, farmers in Amuru are now better positioned not only to improve their own household incomes, but also to supply quality planting materials within the district and neighbouring areas.

Amuru District Agricultural Officer, Denis Amone emphasised the central role of seed selection in agricultural success.

Amone noted that seed selection is the most critical stage of production, as it directly determines crop performance, harvest quality, and ultimately farmers’ earnings.

The District Production and Marketing Officer, Komakech Simon Peter, said local seed businesses is expected to significantly increase the number of farmers engaged in local seed production, particularly in the sub-counties of Atiak, Pogo, Guruguru, Lamogi, and Amuru, including Amuru town council.

This expansion is positioning the district as a future hub for Quality Declared Seeds (QDS).

Already, two farmer groups are demonstrating what is possible. In Guruguru sub-county, one group is producing soybean seeds, while in Atiak sub-county, the Ribbe Ber Ki Lawoti Group is producing simsim (sesame) seeds.

Local Seed Businesses (LSBs) are community-based, market-oriented enterprises that often grow out of organised farmer groups.

By producing and selling certified or quality-declared seeds—particularly for high-demand crops such as soybean, beans, maize, simsim, and groundnuts—these businesses help bridge gaps left by large commercial seed companies.

With technical support and initiatives such as the Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD) project, LSBs are strengthening farmer trust, improving access to quality seed, and contributing to food security.

The Amuru district production department continues to encourage farmers to invest in oilseed crops such as simsim, groundnuts, and soybeans, which have strong market potential.