IRRI Education concludes its first training in Africa on Quality Seed Production

What does it take to produce quality seeds that can support better harvests and stronger rice systems? For 24 agricultural professionals from six countries, answering this question meant going beyond the science of seeds and into the practical realities of producing, protecting, testing, and certifying them. 

From 7–11 September 2026, IRRI Education conducted its Quality Seed Production Training Course at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro, Tanzania)—marking the first-ever training conducted by IRRI Education in Africa. The course was implemented in partnership with SUA together with invited resource persons from Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), and Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA).  

The five-day training brought together participants from Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Zimbabwe, India and Benin, representing research institutions, universities, seed agencies, private organizations, women group, and other agricultural institutions.  

More than technical training, the course created a space for professionals from different countries and sectors to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills needed to support quality rice seed production. 

From understanding quality to putting it into practice

The training began with the foundations of rice seed systems, including seed quality, seed classes, certification, seed legislation, and production planning. Participants examined how factors such as purity, germination, variety selection, demand forecasting, and production planning influence the quality of seeds that eventually reach farmers.  

The learning then moved from the classroom to the field. 

Through practical sessions at TARI Dakawa, participants applied what they learned in seed preparation, nursery establishment, field layout, field inspection, identification of off-types, and hands-on rogueing. They also explored crop management, seed health, harvesting, drying, storage, processing, and contamination prevention.  

For participants, these practical experiences helped turn technical concepts into skills they could apply in their own work. 

“The course was very informative and practical. It improved my understanding of seed quality production, quality control, seed testing, handling, and storage. The practical sessions were especially useful because they showed how to apply the knowledge in real seed production activities.”  

Another participant shared how the training changed their perspective on seed handling, saying that they now view seed selection through a “lens of strict quality consciousness,” recognizing that a successful harvest relies on the integrity of the seed.  

Strengthening people behind quality seed systems 

The course brought together expertise from IRRI, SUA, TARI, the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), and the Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA). Participants learned not only how quality seeds are produced, but also how quality is maintained through certification, testing, processing, storage, and seed business planning.  

On the final day, participants engaged in hands-on laboratory exercises on physical purity and germination testing, applying the principles and techniques covered throughout the training. This was followed by group presentations in which participants developed quality seed production and business plans tailored to the needs and contexts of their respective countries. 

For one participant, the training reinforced the importance of scientific precision in ensuring farmers have access to quality seeds and ultimately supporting productivity and food security.  

Another described the course as an “eye opener” and an empowerment to help address global, regional, and local gaps in rice seed supply.  

These reflections highlight a central message of the training: strengthening seed systems also means strengthening the people who make those systems work. 

A first step for IRRI Education in Africa

As IRRI Education concludes its first training in Africa, the Quality Seed Production Training Course represents more than the completion of a five-day learning program. It marks a new opportunity to bring IRRI Education’s capacity development work closer to professionals working within Africa’s rice and seed systems. 

For the 24 participants, the course provided new knowledge, practical skills, and perspectives that they can bring back to their respective institutions and countries. As one participant expressed, the training was a “Wonderful and Impactful course” that added to their knowledge of quality seed production.  

The course also underscored the importance of making quality seed production knowledge accessible to more stakeholders. One participant called for the course to be taught to “all seed producers and shareholders” to help boost quality seed production.  

From seed producers and researchers to certification agencies and agricultural institutions, every person plays a role in protecting seed quality. 

And as IRRI Education takes its first training steps in Africa, the lessons from Morogoro point to a wider opportunity: equipping more people, strengthening more institutions, and supporting stronger seed systems that can ultimately serve farmers and contribute to food security. 

Interested in similar training opportunities? Visit education.irri.org to learn more or email us at irri-education@cgiar.org.