Sen. Adamu advocates internally generated seeds

The chairman, Senate committee on Agriculture, Senator Abdullahi Adamu has emphasised the need for more locally made improved seeds saying a bill towards this would soon be passed. He made this remark in a press statement made available.  

Sen. Abdullahi Adamu said there is need to focus more on internally generated seeds because they have been tested and proven in the sub sector, promised that the bills before both chambers towards this would be passed into law.

Also the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Danduste Muntari stated in the same vein   that  quality seed is vital in the process of achieving food sufficiency, job creation and would boost  revenue generation in the country as he lauded the  President Muhammadu Buhari's agenda in the Agricultural sector. 

The Director General, National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr. Philip Olusegun Ojo said in the statement  that " NASC has introduced/launch the National Seed Tracker, introduced the turn-key electronic Seed Authentication system, developed a Five (5) year strategic plan and up-graded the central seed testing laboratories to meet international Standards".

 Ojo added that NASC has commenced effort towards the introduction of legislation for the Protection of New Varieties of Plant (PVP) in Nigeria as well as firming up on its membership at the international organizations like the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), International Seed Federation (ISF) and International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).

He advocated for the quick passage of the PVP into law so as  to complement the existing Seed Act towards a stronger legal protection for seed and plant products and its enforcement against illegal seed practices.

The Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Nanono informed that the Ministry has the responsibility to provide a conducive policy environment for  the sustenance of a virile national seeds system and to enable a credible, dynamic, competitive and relevant industry which provides healthy and high-quality planting materials for Nigerian farmers and for export irrespective of their location.

 According to him "This is the reason I have called this important meeting for us all to discuss the grey areas that needs to be straightened for seed sector development".