SDCA Concludes Three-Day Seed Quality Enhancement Training in Bong County

By Wilmot Konah

Suakoko, Bong County:  The Seed Development and Certification Agency (SDCA) has concluded a three-day intensive seed quality enhancement training in Bong County, bringing together key actors in Liberia’s agriculture sector to strengthen national seed certification and inspection standards.

The training, held from November 12 to 14, 2025, is part of ongoing efforts to professionalize the country’s seed system and ensure that farmers have access to high-quality, certified seeds capable of boosting productivity and improving food security.

SDCA Director General Johnson Momo said the workshop was designed to equip seed inspectors, technicians, and agricultural extension workers with advanced skills in seed testing, certification procedures, and field inspection techniques. The goal, he added, is to ensure that Liberia’s seed supply chain adheres to national and international quality benchmarks.

“We want to ensure that the seeds distributed across the country meet the required standards that will help increase yields and improve livelihoods,” Momo emphasized. “Seed quality determines farm productivity, and this training is intended to help us build a strong and credible seed certification system.”

He highlighted that the sessions focused extensively on Liberia’s four major agricultural value chains—rice, cassava, soybean, and coffee. According to him, these crops remain central to Liberia’s food system, rural employment, and income generation for thousands of farmers.

“These crops are the backbone of our food system,” Momo noted. “If we can guarantee their quality from the seed stage, we can transform our agriculture sector, reduce post-harvest losses, and cut down on dependence on imported food.”

Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) Director General Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah, who served as a keynote speaker, underscored that Liberia cannot achieve food security unless it prioritizes investments in quality seed development and dissemination.

“No nation can achieve food security without investing in seed quality,” Dr. Karnuah stressed. “Good seeds are the foundation of a strong agricultural system. Without them, farmers’ efforts will be constrained no matter how much they invest in land preparation or fertilizer.”

Dr. Karnuah added that CARI remains committed to supporting research, field trials, seed characterization, and the development of improved crop varieties suited for Liberia’s climate.

The event brought together representatives from international agricultural organizations, including the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), WorldFish, and AfricaRice. Their presence underscored the global importance of seed quality enhancement and the value of partnerships in strengthening Liberia’s seed ecosystem.

Speaking on behalf of the partner institutions, AfricaRice Country Representative Dr. Moustapha Gaye encouraged participants to take the training seriously, noting that the skills acquired could help transform farming communities across the country.

“We see this initiative as a step forward for Liberia’s agriculture and remain committed to partnering with SDCA and the entire sector to ensure sustainable food production,” Dr. Gaye said. He emphasized that access to high-quality seed varieties is essential for adapting to climate change, improving resilience, and increasing yields for smallholder farmers.

Participants expressed appreciation for the training, describing it as timely and essential for addressing ongoing challenges affecting seed production and distribution nationwide. Many noted that issues such as counterfeit seeds, poor germination rates, and inadequate testing facilities continue to undermine productivity in key crop sectors.

The SDCA says it will continue rolling out similar capacity-building programs across the country as part of its mandate to monitor, certify, and regulate seed production activities in Liberia.