Varietal registrar announces training for breeders

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology ( NACGRAB), Dr. S.U Okeke said the centre would soon embark on breeders' training in order to achieve better varieties registration.

Dr. A. U Okeke, who is also the registrar to the National Varietal Release Committee (NVRC) said up coming breeders need to be trained with the best practices of varietal release and registration towards improved seed varieties availability.

Speaking last Thursday at the 36th edition of Varietal release meeting at Lafia hotel, Apata, Ibadan, Okeke spoke on why scientists should be formidable to be a veritable channel to give constructive direction to the government at all levels in terms of technology application transfer through extension officers to farmers, saying it would help to reduce food import where billions of naira are annually spent.

He advocated for a rallying platform for a strong voice where decisions will be taken to ensure execution of making improved seeds available to farmers towards food system sustainability, and reduction on food importation.