🌿 Calculate Your Seed Requirement
🔧 Calculation Breakdown
💳 Seed Storage Tips
🔎 Simple On-Farm Germination Test
Before planting, test your seed lot — takes only 7 days:
- Count out exactly 100 seeds from your seed lot.
- Spread on a damp cloth or paper towel. Fold over and keep moist (not waterlogged) in a warm place (25-30°C).
- Check daily for 7-10 days. Count sprouted seeds each day.
- Calculate: Germination % = sprouted ÷ 100 × 100
- If germination is below 70%, increase your seed rate by 20-30% or source fresh certified seed.
🇳🇪 Seed Programs & Sources in Niger
Local Seed Programs: Contact your national seed certification authority or agricultural extension service for information on subsidised seed programs and certified seed suppliers in Niger.
- Certification BodyContact the national seed certification authority in Niger for certified seed sources.
- Key SuppliersConsult your local agro-dealer network or agricultural extension office for certified seed suppliers in Niger.
- Research SupportCGIAR centers (CIMMYT, IITA, CIP, ICRISAT, IRRI) provide improved varieties and technical support across Africa.
- Extension ServiceContact your district or county agricultural extension office for local variety recommendations and seed sources.
- Hybrid Seed WarningSecond-generation hybrid seed loses 20-30% yield potential. Buy fresh hybrid seed each season.
🧪 Seed Treatment Recommendations
Proper seed treatment protects your investment and improves germination:
- Cereals (maize, rice, sorghum)Fungicide dressing: Thiram + Metalaxyl (Apron Star). Protects against seed-borne diseases and soil fungi. Apply 2-3 g per kg of seed.
- Legumes (soybean, cowpea)Rhizobium inoculant (for soybean: Bradyrhizobium japonicum). Improves nitrogen fixation. Never use with systemic fungicides — apply inoculant 30 min before planting.
- GroundnutCheck for aflatoxin. Never plant mouldy or discoloured seed. Thiram dressing reduces soil-borne diseases.
- Vegetative cropsCassava: dip cuttings in Mancozeb solution (2g/L) for 5 min to control mosaic virus vectors. Yam: treat minisetts with Apron Star + copper fungicide.