ISAR to improve seed quality

HUYE - Researchers at the National Agricultural Research Institute (ISAR) have said there is need to improve the quality of tree seeds for the country’s forests. “Good quality seeds are the mirror of better green forest,” said Amini Mutaganda, the coordinator of Center for Grain Forest programme (CGF) at ISAR. He made the remarks yesterday while speaking at a two-day workshop organized for forest seed growers from various districts of the country. A survey conducted by ISAR in December 2009 revealed that in several parts of the country, instructions for growing tree seeds were poorly given. Shaban Ndahimana, the coordinator of “Indatwa” Cooperative charged with forest conservation in Bugesera District, said the knowledge acquired from the workshop would help them improve conservation. “We used to plant many trees in our farms but only few could survive because of poor instructions…we shall now be able to sensitize and teach others,” said NdahimanaJean Damascene Muhayimana, another official, said seed suppliers should always consult local authorities on the type and quality of seeds for growing. The workshop brought together 54 participants from north, east and western provinces in which PAREF operates .It was organized by CGF, National forest Authority(NAFA) and PAREF. Ends