The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have donated 1.34 tonnes of improved rice, millet and sorghum seeds to farmers in Yobe State.
The donation was sponsored by USAID under the Feed the Future Nigeria Integrated Agriculture Activity (NIAA) project.
Mr Prakash Silwal, Chief of Party and Principal Specialist of NIAA project, stated this at the commencement of the seeds distribution in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
He said the donation was part of efforts by the group to transform agriculture in North-Eastern Nigeria.
Silwal said, “Since 2019, the US Government, through the NIAA, has been steadfast in its commitment to fostering agricultural growth and enhancing food security in the region.
“Our journey has been one of collaboration, innovation, and resilience.
“In response to the secondary impacts of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, we expanded our scope in September 2022 to scale up interventions in seed system development across Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, and Yobe.
“This expansion was essential in ensuring that our efforts reached even more communities, empowering them with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable agricultural success.”
He also said that certificates would be presented to 28 Community Based Entrepreneurs trained by the group in Yobe from 2022.
“A cornerstone of this initiative has been our partnership with the National Seed Council (NASC).
“Together, we organised our beneficiary seed producers into Community-Based Seed Cooperatives (CBSCs), training them in good agronomy practices and empowering them to elevate their status as seed enterprises.
“Through this collaboration, we facilitated their access to critical agricultural inputs, including foundation seeds, and ensured their seed samples underwent rigorous testing by the National Agricultural Seeds Council Laboratory in Gombe.
“Today, we celebrate the fruition of these efforts as 121 cooperatives receive their NASC certification, an important proof of their hard work, dedication, and adherence to the highest standards of seed quality,” the official said.
He added that there were vast opportunities in the seed development sector, pledging the groups’ commitment to setting an agricultural development and food security agenda for the Northeast region.
Silwal said: “Moreover, this event is a call to action. It seeks to build a robust network of committed international investors and development actors, connecting them with the opportunities and networks on the ground in Nigeria.
“Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and prosperous seed system, driving agricultural transformation and ensuring food security for all.”
By Nabilu Balarabe
