By KENNEDY MUPESENI –

THE Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has spent more than US$153, 000 in grants to fund seed companies engaged in leguminous self pollinated seeds in Zambia.
With a presence in 18 countries in Africa, AGRA works on five programmes like seeds, soil improvement, strengthening markets, policies and farmer support organisation.
AGRA regional head, East and Southern Africa team George Bigirwa said between 2011 and 2013; AGRA granted Stewards Globe more than $153,000 on its seed production which had seen many farmers in five districts of the country having access to seed input and market.
“As far as seed is concerned, what we do is we begin by training, so that we can have scientists who can develop the varieties, when they are developed then they can be picked by seed companies,” Dr Bigirwa said.
He said in an interview when a team of international, local journalists and agriculture experts visited seed out-grower farmers in Mukonchi in Kapiri Mposhi on Monday.
This was part of the activities of the African Green Revolution Forum which opened yesterday and will run up to Friday this week.
More than 500 leaders from more than 40 countries are attending the conference in Lusaka.
The theme of the forum is “Walking the Talk on Youth and Women Bringing Inclusive Agricultural Markets to Life”.
Dr Bigirwa said that once the companies multiply the seed and it is handed over to agro dealers who would later distribute seeds in rural areas where the farmer can pick them.
“As far as the seed companies are concerned in Zambia, I think we have supported about four seed companies, Steward Globe is one of them, and we funded it starting in 2011 up to the end of 2013.
“The company received a grant of $150,000, to use that money to produce seeds, create awareness, sensitise farmers so that they are aware about the use of seeds and appreciate the kind of support,” he said.
Currently Steward Globe is operating in five districts where they have been engaging seed growers.
Pache Pache Seed Growers Association in Mukonchi hosted the crew and is one of the groups Steward Globe is working with in the production of seed crops.
Publicity secretary Evaness Munsange said that since the group signed an out grower agreement, the income levels had increased.
“The income levels have drastically moved up, selling seeds has more value than selling them raw, we have  received trainings from the same company on seed growing and handling,” Ms Munsange said.
Steward Globe agronomist David Zulu told journalists that his company would continue promoting self pollination seed production in rural parts of Zambia.