NASC Begins Onboarding of Seed Entrepreneurs to Improve Yam Production in Nigeria
The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) has launched a new initiative to strengthen the production, certification and marketing of quality seed yams in Nigeria.
As part of the effort, the Council has started onboarding prospective Certified Seed Entrepreneurs (CSEs) who will play a key role in making quality planting materials more available to farmers across the country.
The initiative was highlighted during a one-day mandatory training and onboarding programme organised by NASC in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) under the PROSSIVA Project.
Speaking at the programme, NASC’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Fatuhu Muhammed, stressed the importance of having reliable access to quality planting materials.
Muhammed, who was represented by the Director of the Director-General’s Office, Mal. Dahiru Rabiu, said quality seeds are essential to improving farm productivity, strengthening farmers’ ability to cope with challenges and enhancing food security.
Why quality yam seeds matter
Yam is an important food and economic crop in Nigeria, supporting millions of farmers and contributing significantly to the country’s agricultural sector.
According to Muhammed, improving Nigeria’s yam seed system is therefore critical to increasing productivity and ensuring that farmers have access to healthy and high-quality planting materials.
The onboarding of Certified Seed Entrepreneurs is expected to strengthen the seed value chain by improving the production and distribution of certified seed yams.
The partnership between NASC and IITA through the PROSSIVA Project is aimed at building a stronger system that can support farmers with better planting materials while creating opportunities for entrepreneurs involved in the seed business.
With improved access to certified seed yams, the initiative could help farmers achieve better yields, improve the quality of their produce and contribute to Nigeria’s broader food-security goals.
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