There are certified seeds in Nigeria, say stakeholders

Contrary to the position of the new Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, that there were no certified seeds in Nigeria, stakeholders have said that there are certified seeds in Nigeria and that many West African countries depend on Nigeria to procure their seeds saying statement like this could mar the country market potential..

Speaking at an event in Abuja yesterday, captains of seed companies, scientist and farmers concluded that what the minister said must have been an error since he still very new in the office, and also because his background is in finance and not agriculture.

Speaking to foodfarmnews the Managing Director (MD) Premier Seeds of Nigeria, Prof. A.A Ogungbile said that there are many certified seeds in Nigeria with evidence as many West African countries do procure from Nigeria. ‘So how can countries procure seeds from Nigeria if our seeds are not certified?’

Ogungbile added that for the fact Nigeria supplies to almost all the West African countries show that there are certified seeds in the country adding that there are breeders in the country who always release improved seeds for commercial certification through the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC).

It may be worthy of note that all improved seeds must be registered and released by the National Committee on Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds domiciled at National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), for general use.

Another scientist, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said it was an indictment on breeders and scientists to have said that there are no certified seeds in the country, as many certified improved seeds have been released for commercialization adding that the minister might have intended to say circulation of fake seeds was rampant.

The All Farmers’ Association of Nigerian president, Architect Ibrahim Kabiru also said that what the minster would have said was that fake seeds in circulation were commonplace which may have taken away the glory of improved seeds in the country.