Improved seeds: DFID galvanizes voices for blockage removal

Nat. Pres, Yam Growers, Processors and Marketers Association, Prof. Simeon Irtwange speaking on partnership with Root and Tuber Research Institute on seedling while Chika of PERL looks on

As the accessibility of farmers in Nigeria to improved seedlings worsen, the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) and some few select voices in the agricultural sector have interfaced on the need to ensure accessibility of farmers to improved seeds with sustainability through blockages removal in the productivity process.

Cross Section

This was the thrust of discussion held yesterday at a meeting in Abuja as stakeholders agreed to ensure that right questions on right policy implementation and impacts on the citizen through efficient accountability on the part of government and other private actors are constantly asked towards better governance.

Presentation of Group A on how to remove blockages on improved seeds production in

It was agreed that there was need for citizens to engage government on efficient system of accountability and service delivery in the agricultural inputs delivery especially on blockages removal on effective improved seeds productivity and private sector must be ready to do business without necessarily relying on government.

Cross Section

Present at the meeting with PERL officials were some major agricultural commodities association, media and civil societies. Among the association are yam, maize, sorghum, wheat, cassava and sesame seeds while two government agencies viz Root and Tuber Research Institute, Umudike and Raw Materials Research & Development Council.