Ivorian seed producers trained in quality rice seed production at AfricaRice M’bé Research Station

About 30 Ivorian seed producers participated in a training workshop organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the National Office for Rice Development (ONDR) and the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) on ‘Quality Rice Seed Production’, 7-11 May 2018, at AfricaRice research station in M’bé, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire. The training program was organized as part of the South-South cooperation between FAO and Venezuela entitled "Partnership for the development of sustainable rice-based systems in sub-Saharan Africa." It was initiated to support the National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS).

The main objective of the training workshop was to equip the seed producers with up-to-date knowledge, principles, best practices and skills for quality rice seed production. AfricaRice conducted the training course in partnership with ONDR and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER), which presented certain modules. “The participants learnt how to produce quality rice seed and how to manage the postharvest practices and seed processing activities to prevent contamination and protect the seed's vigor and viability,” said Dr Saidu Bah, AfricaRice Seed Production Specialist, who coordinated this training workshop.

The training workshop covered all aspects of seed production techniques and emphasis was given to post-harvest activities. Dr Drissa Silue, AfricaRice Plant Pathologist, presented the modules on seed health management. The program also included presentations on seed legislation and seed certification process. A major highlight of the workshop was a presentation by Mrs Maïmouna Coulibaly from Mali, CEO of Faso Kaba seed company. Mrs Coulibaly received the 2017 Africa Food Prize for producing and marketing quality seed for farmers. Her presentation at the workshop was followed by a lively discussion on best practices for quality rice seed production.

The participants appreciated highly the opportunity to receive theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical knowledge. They treasured the experience of visiting the AfricaRice Genebank and interacting with Dr Marie-Noelle Ndjiondjop, Head of the Genetic Resources Unit, and her team members. The AfricaRice Genebank holds the largest rice collection in Africa with over 20,000 accessions. Photos Scenes from the training workshop on ‘Quality Rice Seed Production’, 7-11 May 2018, at AfricaRice research station in M’bé, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire. https://tinyurl.com/yc8fqkoq Audio podcast

• Opening remarks by Etienne Duveiller, Deputy Director General, AfricaRice at the training workshop on ‘Quality Rice Seed Production’ https://tinyurl.com/y8hv8cad

• Interview of Maïmouna Sidibé Coulibaly, CEO, FASO KABA at the training workshop on ‘Quality Rice Seed Production’ https://tinyurl.com/y8d8og2s

• Interview of Emmanuel Coulibaly, ONDR at the training workshop on ‘Quality Rice Seed Production’ https://tinyurl.com/ya923v48

• Interview of  Bamba Moussa, PCA, CODERIZ at the training workshop on ‘Quality Rice Seed Production’ https://tinyurl.com/yc2fggt9

• Interview of  Dago Akissi Jeanne, CORIGUI at the training workshop on ‘Quality Rice Seed Production’ https://tinyurl.com/y7kw6s33

• Interview of  Faustin Lohouri, CEO, BILOHF at the training workshop on ‘Quality Rice Seed Production’ https://tinyurl.com/yckwmufw