The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) has revealed that up to 50% of all quality seeds supplies in West Africa are originated from Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Director-General of the Council, Dr Philip Ojo on Friday in Abuja at the preparation for activities to mark the 2021 annual SEEDCONNECT Africa Conference and Exhibition.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Ojo said that fellow West African nations have required Nigeria’s help in seep production systems.
What the NASC boss is saying
Mr Ojo said, “Other countries in West Africa are coming to learn what makes us big in seed production.
“We have gotten invitations from Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
“Ghana will be coming with its delegation to study what we are doing here.”
He warned that the planting of adulterated seeds would not only lead to poor yield but would hamper the country’s economic prosperity. He also said that agriculture is the engine room of any economy, as self-sufficient countries are the best.
He urged Nigerians to buy seeds without ‘SEED CODEX’, an electronic verification and authentication system introduced by NASC to enhance the efficiency of seed certification.
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Nigeria’s agricultural sector grew 1.22% (year-on-year) in real terms in the 3rd quarter of 2021, a decrease of 0.17% points from the corresponding period of 2020, and a decrease of 0.08% points from the preceding quarter which recorded a growth rate of 1.30%. It grew on a quarter-on-quarter basis at 39.83%.
