Amuru Farmers Lead the Way in Community-Based Local Seed Production
Mildred Auma
Communications Officer
Amuru District is steadily emerging as a model for community-based seed production following the successful training of 30 farmers on establishing and managing Local Seed Businesses (LSBs).
The training, conducted last Friday, equipped farmers with practical knowledge on accessing quality and original seed, selecting suitable gardens and seedlings, linking to reliable markets, and planning effectively for the two planting seasons.

Emphasis was placed on proper seed selection, adherence to seed production standards, and the business management skills required to run sustainable seed enterprises.
With this 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 neighboring areas.

Amuru District Agricultural Officer, Denis Amone emphasised the central role of seed selection in agricultural success. He 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, Mr. Komakech Simon Peter, said the initiative 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) seed. Last year, the Atiak group planted half an acre of simsim and harvested 120 kilograms. Encouraged by this success, they are expanding to three acres this season to increase supply of quality seeds to farmers within and beyond Amuru District.

Local Seed Businesses are community-based, market-oriented enterprises that often grow out of organized 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.

Amuru District Production Department continues to encourage farmers to invest in oil seed crops such as simsim, groundnuts, and soybean, which have strong market potential. With growing farmer participation and expanding acreage under seed production, Amuru District is firmly positioning itself as a reliable supplier of quality planting seed in the region.
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