Emmanuel OchayiAgricultural experts in Nigeria have called for increased government investments in agricultural research institutes and seed development to boost production and guarantee the country’s food security.
They posited that past government funding primarily directed towards fertilizers and farm inputs has not been effective in improving agricultural productivity and therefore, stressed the need for a shift in focus to supporting research institutions and developing enhanced seed varieties to boost crop yields.
Yusuf Kibiya, the National President of the Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN), made the call during a press briefing in Abuja. He emphasized that with limited arable land and a growing population, supporting research institutions to create high-yield crop varieties is essential.
Kibiya expressed his concern, saying, “Fertilizer and milling plants receive government support, but the seed sector has been neglected. We are urging policymakers to recognize the importance of investing in seeds, or else our efforts to improve agricultural productivity in Nigeria will be in vain.”
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The lack of government support for research institutes, Kibiya noted, has led to gaps in seed production, resulting in low productivity and the inability to export agricultural products. He pointed to neighboring countries like Zambia and Botswana, which export significant quantities of maize, while Nigeria continues to rely on imports.
Kibiya also addressed various challenges within the agricultural sector, including poor quality control, inadequate research funding, capacity constraints within seed companies, marketing difficulties, and inconsistent government policies.
To address these issues, he called for comprehensive solutions, such as farmer training through extension services, the provision of modern farming equipment, upgrading, funding, and supervision of research institutes, incentivizing youth involvement in agriculture, and ensuring efficient delivery of seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers to farmers.
Kibiya also stressed the importance of adequate funding and accessible loans for farmers, along with a reduction in food imports.
Moreover, Kibiya advocated the establishment of improved irrigation infrastructure as an alternative to traditional rain-fed farming systems. This multi-faceted approach, he believes, is essential for Nigeria to achieve food security and economic growth in the agricultural sector.
The call for increased investments in seed research and agricultural infrastructure underscores the growing recognition of the role seeds play in ensuring food security in the country.
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