Musanze: SPF Fund Advocates for Disciplined Seed Selection Among Potato Farmers
The SPF Fund has strongly advised potato farmers in Musanze District to avoid using uncertified seed potatoes, emphasizing that such practices lead to significantly reduced yields.
This directive was issued during a collaborative event where SPF Fund officials, alongside BK Insurance from the Bank of Kigali, unveiled a new initiative designed to provide farmers with insured seed potatoes. The program, named “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi” (“Rest Assured, Insured Farmer”), aims to mitigate the financial risks faced by farmers.
Several potato farmers reported to Teradignews.rw that utilizing certified seed potatoes not only boosts yields but also brings a sense of security.
Jean de Dieu Niyonzima, a farmer cultivating 2.5 hectares of potatoes, emphasized the importance of purchasing and insuring certified seeds.
“Failing to insure your crops is a lapse in judgment. I once faced devastating floods, but BK Insurance intervened. Furthermore, poor-quality seed potatoes often result in poor yields. The seeds I purchased from the SPF Fund are exceptional. All farmers need to be vigilant and discerning,” he said.
He continued, “Previously, we resorted to unreliable markets, even traveling to Uganda for what we called ‘Ibirayi by’Ibigiga.’ The SPF Fund has since become our reliable solution. We only ask that the seeds be made available promptly and distributed effectively to ensure a consistent supply.”
Apolinaire Karegeya, Director of the SPF Fund, affirmed that they provide top-quality seeds and urged farmers to differentiate between good and bad seeds.
“We urge farmers to acquire certified seeds from us. They must understand the difference between high-quality and inferior seeds. Additionally, all seeds purchased from the SPF Fund will come with insurance. Challenges like extreme weather will no longer plague farmers with BK Insurance coverage,” he stated.
Dr. Olivier Kamana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, advised farmers to scrutinize the seeds they buy meticulously.
“Our primary recommendation is for farmers to use certified seeds from reputable sources. Here, the difference between sections planted with SPF Fund seeds and market-bought seeds is evident. We strongly encourage farmers to buy well-selected, certified seeds and remain vigilant,” he said.
He added, “The program we launched today ensures that every farmer purchasing seeds from the SPF Fund will immediately receive insurance. They will also be provided with an insurance contract and daily monitoring by an agronomist.”
Established in 2016, the SPF Fund comprises farmers, seed producers, and cooperatives. It facilitates collaboration within the potato seed value chain to address the issue of seed scarcity during planting seasons. The fund includes 506 shareholders, spanning farmers, seed producers, and cooperatives involved in potato seed production and cultivation.
Operating across all potato-growing districts in Rwanda, the SPF Fund boasts storage facilities capable of housing 10,000 tons of seeds annually. These seeds are cultivated on approximately 3,000 hectares by over 150 contracted seed producers (SPF-Joint Ventures Ltd.).
