Namibia’s worst drought in recent memory has thrust a critical issue into the spotlight: the need for a robust and sustainable seed system for the nation’s farmers. Khomas governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua underscored this urgency at a stakeholders’ workshop on the proposed regulations for the Seeds and Seeds Varieties Act.
“We can’t keep relying on other countries for staple and high-value crop seeds,” McLeod-Katjirua lamented. “The Seeds and Seeds Varieties Act, passed in 2018, sits dormant – not yet enacted by the agriculture minister. This has crippled our ability to harness the act’s potential to regulate seed production, processing, and trade.”
The governor shone a light on the importance of the Namibian Seed Policy, a comprehensive framework for a thriving seed industry. “Seeds are the cornerstone of agriculture,” she declared. “They embody potential, trust, hope, and sustenance. By planting a seed, we become stewards for future generations.”
McLeod-Katjirua emphasized the need for legislation that fosters a sustainable seed system. “Farmers, both commercial and communal, large and small, require access to affordable, high-quality seeds,” she explained. “This legal framework is a positive step towards ensuring that, whether seeds are homegrown or imported, quality is paramount.”
The governor commended the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform for its role in developing the act and its accompanying regulations. “This paves the way for a future where Namibian farmers have access to the seeds they need to thrive, even in the face of drought,” she concluded.
The Sunday Times approach incorporates strong quotes, descriptive language (“seeds of hope,” “dormant act”), and a focus on the human impact (future generations, stewards). It also emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the potential benefits of a sustainable seed system.
