…Aims to Boost Food Production, Secure Nigeria’s Agricultural Future

In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Federal Government, through the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), has launched an intensive bootcamp to equip young Nigerians with expertise in Plant Variety Protection (PVP).

The initiative, spearheaded by the Nigeria Plant Variety Protection Office (NPVPO), aims to develop a new generation of agricultural professionals capable of improving crop yields, enhancing food security, and driving agribusiness growth.

The boot camp, a 4 day program, brought together 25 carefully selected young professionals from across the country. These individuals according to the council, will receive specialized training in plant breeders’ rights, intellectual property protection, and the commercialization of improved plant varieties, key components in ensuring Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in food production.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, Dr. Ishiak Khalid, Acting Director General of NASC, represented by Mallam Ubandoma Hudu, Director of Seed Certification and Quality Control, emphasized that the training represents a major step toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

He said; “You have been selected from a pool of over 77 applicants across Nigeria. This is not just about learning, it is about taking responsibility for the future of our food systems. You are here to develop solutions that will shape the next era of Nigerian agriculture.

“I encourage you all to engage in the training, ask critical questions, and embrace the opportunity to lead the charge in modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”

The Registrar of NPVPO, Dr. Folarin Okelola, in an interview with newsmen, restated that PVP is a game-changing strategy that will increase productivity, encourage research, and incentivize the development of high-yield, climate-resilient crops.

“Plant breeders are the backbone of agricultural innovation. Yet, their work has often gone unrecognized. By protecting their innovations, we encourage more research, attract investment, and boost food production,” Okelola stated.

He further emphasized that embracing PVP could increase Nigeria’s agricultural output up to five times. This, he said, would not only ensure national food security but also position Nigeria as a major exporter of agricultural products.

The bootcamp supported by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), recognizes the need for young minds to take over from an ageing farming population.

Meanwhile Dr. Esther Ibrahim, AGRA’s representative, expressed excitement over the initiative, stating that investing in young agricultural professionals is crucial for the country’s long-term food security goals.

“The future of farming depends on fresh, innovative thinkers. We must build a pipeline of young experts who can introduce modern, efficient agricultural practices. This training is the first step toward that vision,” she noted.

As climate change, population growth, and global food insecurity continue to challenge traditional farming methods, Nigeria must embrace science, research, and innovation to safeguard its food supply. The PVP boot camp is more than just a training, it is a launchpad, for a new era in Nigerian agriculture.

These 25 young professionals, will not only gain knowledge but also serve as catalysts for agricultural transformation, developing high-yield crops, reducing post-harvest losses, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global agricultural economy. The seeds of change have been planted; now, these young professionals must turn knowledge into solutions that will secure Nigeria’s agricultural future.

The 7th edition of the Seed Connect Conference and Exhibition, organized by the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), brought together global and regional agricultural leaders to discuss innovative approaches to addressing food insecurity, climate change, and advancing the seed system in Africa. Themed “Leveraging Seed Technology to Scale Up Africa’s Agricultural Productivity,” the two-day event showcased Nigeria’s leadership in agriculture while highlighting the critical role of seeds in achieving food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr. Arnab Gupta, Ambassador of the Netherlands and representative of WCDI Netherlands, acknowledged Nigeria’s significant strides in agriculture. In his keynote address, he emphasized the importance of strong partnerships, commending Nigerian seed companies, partners, and agencies for their collaborative efforts. Dr. Gupta expressed the Netherlands’ willingness to support Nigeria in strengthening its seed systems, which he described as pivotal to driving agricultural innovation and resilience.

Dr. Godwin Atser of Sasakawa Africa Association, highlighted the pressing challenges facing global food security, particularly in Africa. He stressed the need for regenerative agriculture as a sustainable solution to mitigate the effects of climate change and land degradation. “As we face unprecedented challenges, it is critical to adopt practices that not only improve productivity but also restore our ecosystems,” Dr. Aser said. He called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to transform agriculture into a tool for resilience and growth.

Also Mr. Rufus Idris, of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), congratulated the council, for yet another successful Seed Connect Conference, underscoring the importance of the event in Africa’s agricultural landscape. He emphasized that “everything agriculture starts with seeds,” positioning seeds as the foundation for addressing food insecurity and combating the impacts of climate change.

He assured participants of AGRA’s continued support for Africa’s seed systems and commended federal government’s effort in spearheading initiatives that inspire regional and global partnerships.

The Seed Connect Conference and Exhibition, once again proved to be a vital platform for discussing transformative solutions to Africa’s agricultural challenges. Delegates from around the globe echoed the call for stronger partnerships, innovation, and investment in the seed sector to bolster food security and environmental sustainability.

• …Says Technology, a Catalyst for Agricultural Resilience in Africa
• …As Global, Local Stakeholders Unite for Seed System Transformation

The 7th edition of the SeedConnect Africa Conference and Exhibition, opened in Abuja on Tuesday, with a resounding call from the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) for innovative, technology-driven solutions to address Africa’s escalating food security crisis.

The 2-day event, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, international partners, and experts to discuss the transformative role of technology in building resilient agricultural systems across the continent.

In his keynote address, the Acting Director General of NASC, Dr. Ishiaku Khalid, expressed concern over the critical food security challenges confronting Africa, exacerbated by climate change, economic instability, and violent conflicts.

Highlighting the conference’s theme, “Leveraging Seed Technology To Scale Up Africa’s Agricultural Productivity,” Dr. Khalid emphasized the urgency of adopting technological innovations to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture.

“Food security in Africa is under unprecedented threat, driven by global shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and local challenges, including rising inflation, insecurity, and climate change,” according to him.

Ishiaku reiterated that the conference aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to develop actionable innovation and strategies that will mitigate these impacts and enhance food production systems.

The Acting DG also revealed that SEEDCONNECT Africa, has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Nigerian Seed Systems because of the laudable contributions made by Stakeholders over the years, including the implementation of the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Act No. 5 of 2021, which has catalyzed investment in plant breeding and strengthened Nigeria’s seed system.

He also noted progress in Federal government’s accession to the International Union for the Protection of New Plant Varieties (UPOV), which will enhance international collaboration in the seed industry.

Dr. Khalid further highlighted key innovations like the SEEDCODEX electronic seed authentication system, which according to him, ensures farmers access to quality seeds, and the deployment of DNA fingerprinting technology under the IMAGE project to enhance seed traceability.

These efforts, he said, are part of NASC’s broader mission to modernize Nigeria’s seed sector and ensure food security for millions.

Acknowledging the contributions of international partners, including the Netherlands, AGRA, and the Syngenta Foundation, Dr. Khalid commended their support in fostering agricultural growth.

He however urged participants to propose bold, technology-driven solutions to Africa’s agricultural challenges.

The conference agenda included panel discussions, exhibitions, and collaborative sessions, with a focus on combating climate change, improving crop genetics, and fostering global partnerships.

Stakeholders are expected to provide actionable recommendations to strengthen Africa’s agricultural resilience and secure its food systems for the future.

Meanwhile during the exhibition, one of the standout displays according to our correspondent, came from SeedCo, one of Africa’s leading seed companies, which unveiled its new hybrid maize varieties designed to withstand drought conditions while providing higher yields.

The company’s exhibit also included advanced seed treatment technologies that promote faster germination and better crop establishment.

Visitors to the SeedCo booth, had ample opportunity to learn how these innovations can benefit smallholder farmers, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.

Other key exhibitors, including AdasP, PATH-AWAY Yield Increase, Premier Seeds, PROSSIVSA, and OFAB Nigeria, showcased their innovations and seed varieties.