Seed sector will be well policed say NASC DG

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.