In Peru, only 14% of the cultivated areas use quality seeds, which are essential to increase productivity and ensure food security, as reported agronomist, Lucia Pajuelo Cubillas, head of the Special Programme of the Seed Authority of the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA).
He noted that one of the most serious problems of Peruvian agriculture is the low use of quality seeds; almost 80% of the producers are using planting material that does not contribute to improve the yield and quality of their crops, a situation that has persisted during the last 20 years.
He stated that only 1% of the agricultural area related to food security was planted with certified seeds.
Pajuelo Cubillas said the INIA, through the Special Programme of the Seed Authority (PEAS), encourages farmers to use seed that have passed control systems to ensure the seed's health and genetic, physiological and physical quality during their production.
"The certified seeds have these characteristics and using them constitutes a fundamental technological value for agricultural producers. It would also allow them to maximize the efficient use of other inputs, such as water, fertilizers, chemicals, labour, land, etc.," he explained.
He said the use of certified seed of an improved variety can significantly contribute to improve the farmers quality of life not only because of their good performance, but also because it would help them cope with future natural disasters (drought, frost, floods).
In order to learn more about the use of quality seeds, the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA) organized the Fourth International Workshop- Seeds: Strategic Input for Food Security and Family agriculture- as well as the first ExpoSemillas.
Both events were organized by INIA and took place between November 20 to 22 in SENASA's auditorium and the INIA official headquarters, respectively.
Source: INIA