Dr. Philip Oluwasegun Ojo. |
· Seed fair kicks off tomorrow.
The National Agricultural Seed Council has promised
untiring effort to ensure a sanitized seed industry in Nigeria that would guaranty
bumper harvest and food security. This statement was made by the Director
Genenral (DG) of the council, Dr. Philip Oluwasegun Ojo.
Dr. Philip Ojo told journalists that the press conference
was call to inform the general public and stakeholders in the sub sector about
its effort in the combating of adulteration as many states have cried against
the incessant fake and seed adulteration saying the council would not relent
in policing the industry for a better viable sub sector to ensure food
security.
He said the cases
of fake seed in circulation become disturbing after receiving series of
complaints from farmers and other stakeholders across the country with an
allegation of low quality seeds being supplied and distributed to farmers
pointed that the sanitation of the sector was as matter of fact a continuous exercise
which his council would ensure giving proper policing towards identifying culprits
for sanction.
The NASC DG emphasized that his agency would no longer
condole the fraudulent act perpetuated by individuals and companies under
various programs, production and marketing, importing and exporting seeds
without due accreditation and authentic certification tag from NASC and the
distribution of dangerous seed that are hazardous to human and animal
consumption.
He intimated the public the effort of the council that
was carried out in kano saying through its seed task force that two persons
have been reminded in prison for allegation of adulteration for one year with a
fine of one hundred thousand naira. They
violated the council Act 72 of 1992,
under reference that that stated that “ it is unlawful for anyone or
organization to sell, keep for sale or offer to sell any seed unless the seeds
have passed through the process of certification and found to conform to the
standards set for the class of seed” adding that “ in accordance to the
provision of Section 16, Sub-section 1, all import and export of seeds shall be
subjected to prior declaration to NASC and a phyto-sanitary certificate issued
by the National Agricultural Quarantine
Service (NAQS)”
Dr. Ojo pointed that measures had already been deployed to
ensure proper policing as the agency has directed its enforcement officers
nationwide to commence full scale surveillance, raid of stores, warehouse,
markets and wherever seeds are being stored to confirm authenticity and
enforcement of the provision of the seed act, stating that the agency has
commenced the confiscation of all low quality seeds already supplied.
Nigerians he enjoined
to be ready to support the council by being responsive to making available
useful information that would enhance nailing any seed adulterator.
He stressed that to this end, anyone or
organization or agency who after the press briefing engages in any seed related activity without proper recourse to the seed
act will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. He disclosed the readiness of the National Agricultural Seed
Council to commence its seed fair slated for tomorrow at the head quarter.
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