FG reassures Supply of Quality Seeds for Famers

 FG reassures supply of Quality Seeds for Famers

 Speaking during the National Seed Retreat organised by the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC),at the IAR Conference Hall, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, today, 27/02/20, the Minister noted that seed is the carrier of the genetic potential of the crop plant that determines the upper limit of yield and the ultimate productivity of fertilizers, agro-chemicals and other inputs including machineries and farming techniques.

Nanono informed that the Ministry has  the responsibility to provide a conducive policy environment of ensuring the sustenance of a virile National Seeds System and to enable a credible, dynamic, competitive and relevant industry which provides healthy and high-quality planting materials for Nigerian farmers and for export irrespective of their location. According  to him,””This is the reason I have called this important meeting for us all to discuss the grey areas that needs to be straightened for seed sector development”.

He emphasised that the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) in partnership with all relevant stakeholders is responsible for seed industry development and regulation in the country and  has over the years been involved in various activities towards ensuring the development of the nation’s seed sector.

 He pointed out that the overall set of policy principles of the Agriculture Promotion Policy (APP) ,would concentrate on providing an enabling environment for stakeholders at  the  federal and state level to play their distinctive roles.

He also said that the policy would  provide a conducive legislative and agricultural knowledge framework, macro-policies, security enhancing physical infrastructure and institutional mechanisms for coordination, access to adequate inputs, finance, information on innovation, agricultural services and markets.

Alhaji Sabo Nanono  tasked the Stakeholders on the need to render  services for  posterity , “Your presence here as stakeholders is simple but are service to posterity  because with a growing population expected to reach above 400 million in few years from now we must plan ahead.  Recognize the importance of this Sub sector to the overall sustenance of national plan through agricultural productivity”.

 He further said  “we are all challenged today to identify, discuss determine the type of interventions needed (technological, regulatory and others) to make quality seeds available to farmers through sustainable systems and construct roadmap, with specific recommendations, to guide a sound and sustainable dissemination strategy for improved crops to resource poor farmers in Nigeria in particular and West in general “.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Abdullahi Adamu stated that there is need to focus more on locally made seed because they have been tested and proven in the Seeds sub sector and assured  that the bills before both chambers of the National Assembly would soon be passed into laws.

During his goodwill message, the Chairman, House Committee on Agric. Production and Services,  Hon. Danduste Muntari said  that  quality Seed is vital in the process of achieving food sufficiency, job creation and would boost the internally generated revenue in the country. He also lauded  President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda in the Agricultural sector which he said would change  the narrative on the   economy shifting from  oil sector to  the Agricultural sector.

In his welcome remarks, the Director General,National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr. Philip Olusegun Ojo, informed that ” NASC has introduced/launch the National Seed Tracker, introduced the turn-key electronic Seed Authentication system, developed a Five (5) year strategic plan and up-graded the central seed testing laboratories to meet international Standards”..

Dr. Philip Ojo stated that NASC has has commenced effort towards the introduction of a Legislation for the Protection of New Varieties of Plant (PVP) in Nigeria as well as firming up on its membership of international organizations like the  Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), International Seed Federation (ISF)  International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). According to him, “all in a bid to promote our nations participation in the global trade of seeds and enhance our quality seed delivery capability while encouraging private sector participation in the Seeds Sub sector”.

He advocated for the quick passage of the PVP law to complement the existing Seed Act for the establishment and maintenance of a strong legal protection for seed and plant products and its enforcement so as to deter those who engage in illegal seed practices.

Ezeaja Ikemefuna

For: Director, Information (FMARD)