In a bid to further sustain food security and curb the increasing tide of fake seeds, the National Agricultural Seeds Council NASC, on Thursday, revealed that it is committed to achieving international accreditation for seed laboratories to ensure quality seeds.
The NASC disclosed this during a meeting themed “Stakeholders Review and Validation Meeting Cum Socialization of Achievements Made through the support of AGRA and the Partnership for Agricultural Transformation in Africa (PIATA) Towards the Implementation of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) Act 2019 and the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) 2021.” which held in Abuja.
The Acting Director General of the council, Dr Ishiaku Khalid, in his statement, reveals that the Seed Laboratories, when certified to a global standard, will help to boost the country’s seed system and ensure development of an effective seed industry, based on the confidence that farmers place in the seed they acquire.
He stated that there have also been a series of measures considered for the further transformation of the seed industry in the country.
Dr. Khalid, noted that with the support of AGRA, the initiatives will be implemented through the ” bridge grant awarded to the NASC aimed at building the capacity of the NASC and Seed Companies to support a robust seed system in Nigeria”
According to him, apart from upgrading the Seed Laboratories, the grant to NASC will also ensure, consultancy to initiate the accreditation of two laboratories to international Standards. Conduct feasibility studies to ascertain the level of fake seeds.
Building the capacity of four seed companies to access EGS and increase certified seed production. Strengthen the NASC’s capacity to plan and coordinate EGS and Certified Seed production and establish an information management system”
Also, the Country Manager of AGRA, Dr Kehinde Makinde said the agency has resolved to double efforts at raising the bar for Nigeria’s seed system.
He also noted that AGRA will work in partnership with seed companies to develop Early Generations Seeds ( EGS) for better yield and sustainable food security.
