From local seeds to lasting impact: Angel Tadie’s inspiring journey into seed production
Angle Tadie transformed her farming after mentorship from a retired IRAD researcher, shifting from local to improved seeds. Yields tripled, enabling her to become a seed producer, mentor, and role model, empowering other women farmers. Here, she shares her story in her own words.
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From local seeds to lasting impact: Angel Tadie’s inspiring journey into seed production
Angle Tadie transformed her farming after mentorship from a retired IRAD researcher, shifting from local to improved seeds. Yields tripled, enabling her to become a seed producer, mentor, and role model, empowering other women farmers. Here, she shares her story in her own words.
When I reflect on where I began, I see a remarkable transformation. My farming journey started with local seeds bought from the market, yielding about 600kg per hectare: a level I had always believed was normal. It was the system I grew up with: “plant, wait, and hope for the best”.
Everything changed when I met Mr Fofe Lucas, a retired researcher from the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Foumbot and an experienced seed producer. Despite his retirement, he remained actively involved in seed production and mentoring farmers. He showed me the practical importance of using quality-improved seed, a concept I had not fully grasped.
Motivated by this guidance, I purchased about 70kg of Mex 142, GLP 190, and DOR 701 improved bean seed and planted them on one hectare of land. The results were remarkable. The improved varieties far outperformed local seeds, emphasizing the importance of quality seed and proper agronomic practices.