Experts in the agricultural sector have emphasized the need for government to increase investment in agricultural research institutes as well as seed development to achieve food security in the country.
He said that over the years, there has been gaps in seed production because research institutes were not well supported by the government which has resulted in low productivity and inability to exports produce. Kibiya highlighted the problems of seed production to include poor quality control, inadequate funding for research, capacity of seed companies to ensure production, inspection, processing and standards. Others include marketing, extension services, and funding of research institutes.
He also advocated the need for agricultural production to be backed by adequate funding as well as loan facilities to be made available at a reasonable interest rate and less cumbersome to obtain adding that government must curtail food importation.