The Federal Government ( FG) has said that a total of 312,555.96 metric tons of certified seeds in five major grain crops will be needed to produce sufficient food grains of 31 million Metric Tons (MT) just as the National Assembly has raised the need for seed sector development.
Both the Minister of Agriculture, State, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon.Benjamin Kalu said this at the recently concluded 6th edition of Seeds Connect conference organized by National Agricultural Seeds Council ( NASC) last week in Abuja in partnership with other organizations.
Dr. Abdullahi disclosed that Nigeria would require 312,555.69 MT of seeds in about five grain crops including (rice, maize, wheat, soybeans and sorghum) to produce 31 millions MT of food for the year 2024.
This volume quantity will definitely check food inflation by 2024 said the minister. He said farmers would be supported with certified seeds in all five major crops at 50% subsidy with other inputs of fertilizers just as animal pastures to checkmate herders/ farmers clashes are expected to be provided as support.
The minister stated further that NASC would also be repositioned for more effective service delivery in terms of checkmating infiltration of adulterated grains into the sub-sector.
Speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu advocated for more investments in the seed industry to ensure food security in the country.
The Deputy Speaker stated, "As we confront the global food emergency, the seed industry holds the key to unlocking sustainable solutions and ensuring food security for all. By investing in research, innovation, and capacity building, we can empower our farmers to produce more sustainably and contribute to a more food-secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“This commitment to research and innovation will lay the foundation for a robust seed sector in Nigeria"
The National Assembly deputy speaker added, "The recent enactment of the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) ACT 2021 stands as a landmark achievement in strengthening Nigeria’s seed industry. This groundbreaking legislation provides legal protection for plant breeders, fostering innovation and investment in seed development. The PVP Act is poised to revolutionize the seed sector, leading to increased productivity, improved seed quality, and enhanced access for farmers"
Kalu commended the Seed Council for its unwavering dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria’s seed industry.
All Farmers Association president, Architect kabir Ibrahim also advocated that improved seeds must get to farmers at a very affordable price saying this will increase food production in Nigeria.
He stressed the need for technology-driven Agriculture to be practiced in the Netherlands given our growing population.
Speaking the Acting Director General (DG) of NASC Dr. Ishiak Khalid said the theme of this year's "Seed Connect" conference was intended to achieve the role the use of improved seeds can play in ensuring food security in Nigeria and Africa as a continent.
Khalid added that his council will convene a stakeholders planning meeting to determine 2024 required certified seeds for planting, and promised that NASC would continue to ensure an efficient system to attain food security as envisaged by President Tinubu.
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