SEARI, in collaboration with the Gedeo Zone Agriculture Department and local farming communities, hosted a successful field day at community-based wheat seed multiplication sites in Kuta Geter, Gedeo Zone. The event brought together farmers, extension agents, researchers, and key stakeholders to showcase the impressive progress of improved wheat varieties being multiplied through a participatory approach. Farmers demonstrated the superior performance of the new wheat varieties, which showed remarkable resilience to local pests and diseases while offering significantly higher yields compared to traditional varieties. The field day served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, where farmers shared their experiences, challenges, and successes with the new wheat technologies.

The initiative is part of SEARI’s broader strategy to address the persistent shortage of quality seed in the region by empowering communities to produce their own improved seed. By involving farmers directly in seed multiplication, the program not only ensures seed availability but also builds local capacity and ownership. The Gedeo Zone has emerged as a key hub for wheat seed multiplication, with expansion plans already underway for the upcoming planting season. This community-driven approach is proving to be a sustainable model for seed systems, reducing dependency on external suppliers while enhancing food security and farmer livelihoods across the zone.