By Benjamin Orisemeka
The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), has warned seeds companies against production of fake seeds. This is even as he urged farmers to adopt use of improved and high quality seeds for better yields.
The Director General, Dr. Philip Ojo, who gave the warning at the commences an advocacy campaign for rural farmers yesterday in Abuja, added that only good and quality seeds will help the country increase food production and improve livelihood of the local farmers.
The rally is part of activities to celebrate the 2018 National Seed Fair and Farmers’ Field Day expected to be replicated across the six geo-political zones of the country.
The DG, who on need for the quality seeds to be accessible and affordable, asserted that quality improved seed is the way out of food security.
He stressed: “It is in pursuant to its vision that the NASC is organizing this March for improved seed adoption to create awareness for enhanced adoption and use of improved seed to increase demand and drive production of adequate quantities of improved that are accessible and affordable,” he stated.
He averred that the “March for Improved Seed Adoption” is aimed at creating awareness for enhanced adoption and use of improved seed to increase demand and drive production of adequate quantities of improved seeds that are accessible and affordable.
He said, “The Road March for Improved Seed Adoption is the first of its kind in the history of the Nigerian seed industry. We are hoping that this Road March shall be replicated in all the six geopolitical zones of the federal to cascade the awareness creation to the grassroots to reach the rural farmers.
In a similar vein, the minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, encouraged farmers and investors to prioritise quality seeds and verify authenticity from NASC before planting. He added that good harvest cannot be achieved without quality seed.
Ogbe who was represented by the director, Plantation Programme at the ministry, Mr Quadiri Olalekan, however warned fake seed dealers to desist from the business or risk jail term.
