Syngenta Foundation Showcases Improved Crop Varieties at SeedConnect Africa Conference, Exhibition 2023

In its efforts to key into the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the agriculture sector by President Bola Tinubu, Syngenta Foundation-Nigeria (SFN), a prominent non-governmental organisation, has showcased crop varieties aimed at enhancing farmers’ yields and contributing to global food security.

The sixth edition of the SeedConnect Africa Conference and Exhibition 2023, a two-day event organised by the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) and partners, drew a diverse array of participants, including seed experts, policymakers, academics, and stakeholders from across Africa and around the globe.

The event, which has the theme: ‘Global Declaration of Food Emergency: The Role of the Seed Industry in Ensuring Africa’s Food and Nutrition Security’, represents the largest gathering of seed sector stakeholders in Africa.

Organised by NASC in collaboration with partners, the conference serves as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration and dialogue among key players in the seed industry.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, inaugurated the event, complemented by a keynote address from the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and other goodwill messages from various stakeholders.

The two-day programme featured discussion panels addressing critical thematic areas within the seed industry and proposing effective solutions. The exhibition area showcased input businesses and programs in the seed sector, fostering learning, networking, and partnerships among stakeholders.

During the exhibition, Syngenta Foundation Nigeria spotlighted numerous improved varieties under the AVISA project platform, including FUAMPEA 1, FUAMPEA 2, FUAMPEA 3, FUAMPEA 4, SAMPEA 11, SAMPEA 14, SAMPEA 15, and ALKAM SUPER for cowpea. Sorghum varieties such as SAMSORG 44, SAMSORG 45, SAMSORG 46, SAMSORG 47, SAMSORG 48, SAMSORG 49, SAMSORG 52, SAMSORG 53, SAMSORG 54, CSR – 01, and CSR – 02 were also highlighted, along with groundnut varieties like SAMNUT 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29. Millet (Chakti variety) was also inclusive.

Speaking on day-two of the event on new technologies and how the local seed sector can spur economic growth through biotechnology and plant breeding innovation in Nigeria and West Africa, SFN’s Country Programme Manager, Isaiah Gabriel, who was among the key panellists, emphasised the vision of the Foundation (improving the livelihood of smallholders’ farmers), and the role SFN is playing in the Nigeria seed industry.

Isaiah said: ‘’The Foundation on the platform of AVISA project actively facilitates the commercialisation of improved Cowpea and sorghum varieties through a go-to-market strategic which lead to increase varietal turnover, thereby contributing to a substantial increase in genetic gains.”

Additionally, Isaiah emphasized, “Syngenta Foundation focuses on advocacy demand-led breeding,” highlighting the importance of breeders interacting with farmers, seed companies, consumers, and other relevant stakeholders in the seed value chain to align breeding efforts with consumer preferences. He emphasized the shift from the outdated approach where breeders developed varieties without considering end-users’ preferences.

He recalled that Syngenta Foundation, under the AVISA platform, ‘’is working to change the narrative, ensuring that breeding decisions are informed by consumers for seamless varietal adoption. The Foundation urges scientists to consider Target Product Profile and Market Segmentation, aligning breeding efforts with specific market agro-ecology.’’

Earlier, the Deputy Speaker, Kalu, called for increased investments in the seed industry to ensure food security in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of research and innovation in empowering farmers for a more food-secure and prosperous nation.

In his remark, the acting Director-General of NASC, Dr. Khalid Ishiak, welcomed participants, dedicating this year’s event to addressing global food emergencies and emphasizing the pivotal role of Africa’s seed sector in ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, linked food insecurity in Africa to factors addressable by the seed sector. He expressed optimism in changing the narrative with Tinubu’s Food agenda, aiming to ensure that when Nigeria produces, Africa has enough food to eat.