Seed |
The lack of
financial support to research institutes and agro inputs sub sector especially
the seed companies may soon lead to shortage of breeder, foundation and
certified seeds in the country according to a reliable source who spoke with Food Farm News on condition of anonymity.
Findings
revealed that finance of the seed sub sector in the last three years has been
epileptics since many of the seed companies could not get access to bank loans,
research Institutes too are not adequately funded to produce enough breeders,
foundation and certified improved seeds to supply the whole nation.
One reason
our source attributed as responsible was long delay of payment to seed
companies that participated in the Growth Enhancement Support Programme of the
Federal Government (FG) during the last administration, as money they could
have reinvested into the business is already tied down while interest is
accruing in the commercial banks.
The source
said that indigenous seeds companies may go into oblivion if action is not taken
proactively and that in addition, influx of foreigners into the country all in
the name of supplying quality seeds in suspicious circumstances has to be
curtailed to protect the local companies noting that seeds are basic and
critical input for enhancing agricultural production and productivity.
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