Food Security: NASC Trains Stakeholders on Identifying Adulterated Seeds

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

As part of efforts towards improving agricultural practices and ensuring food security in Nigeria, the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) has comprehensively trained stakeholders under the Program for Seed System Innovation of Vegetatively Propagated Crops in Africa (PROSSIVA) project on identifying adulterated seeds and the danger they pose to production.

Addressing participants at the two-day training which focused on the theme “Identification and Training of Licensed Seed Inspectors for Vegetatively Propagated Crops (VPCs) Certification”, the Director General, National Agricultural Seeds Council who was represented by Dr. Bankole Osho-Lagunju, leader of the PROSSIVA project, passionately highlighted the critical role of NASC in regulating the seed industry.

He warned that any seed not bearing the NASC logo and stamp could be adulterated, and of grave concern in Nigeria, noting that vegetatively propagated crops like yam, cassava, potatoes, and bananas pose unique challenges in achieving formal seed certification, which the PROSSIVA project addresses, with a special focus on crops like potatoes and bananas.

Osho-Lagunju said, “The project aims to create a decentralized system for seed quality assurance by training licensed inspectors, also known as third-party certification officers. This initiative will bring certification and field inspection closer to the farmers, a move set to ease the burden on seed companies. The choice of Plateau State for this initiative is strategic, given its prominence in potato cultivation. Collaboration with sister projects and organizations, such as the CIP Centre for Potato and GIZ enhances the project’s impact.

In his address, Program Manager of the Plateau Agricultural Development Program (PADP), Mr. Ishiaku Jilemsam expressed the impact on farmers, noting that fake products often lead to disappointing yields. He also stressed the importance of certified seeds, which according to him, can significantly enhance agricultural productivity. 

Proposing collaboration between PADP and NASC for the training of Extension Agents, Jilemsam expressed hope that the collaboration will empower them to identify issues and report them promptly, adding that the program also intends to register all input dealers, ensuring that farmers receive certified inputs, including fertilizers, seeds, and hybrids.

He said, “This collaborative effort between NASC, PROSSIVA, and PADP signifies a significant step towards improving agricultural practices, ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality seeds, and ultimately strengthening food security in Nigeria. It’s a story of dedication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the prosperity of Nigerian agriculture and its hard-working farmers.”