Agriculture
Seed Council trains, producers, others on new technology
As part of efforts to build and sustain a market oriented private sector driven seed industry for the production and distribution of high-quality seeds in Nigeria, the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) has trained over 60 seed producers and other stakeholders in the sector on new multiplication technology.
The stakeholders were also trained on the rudiments of quality seed production, processing, storage and handling; and enlightenment on the existing seed rules and regulations as enshrined in the new National Agricultural Seeds Council Act No 21 of 2019 to enable them operate within the confines of the law while producing and marketing seeds.
Addressing the participants during the training workshop in Abuja on Thursday, the Director General, Dr. Olusegun Ojo, said NASC has the mandate for training stakeholders especially the Seed Producers in the Nigerian seed industry to divulge the requisite knowledge and skills for quality seed production.
“This also extend to the Agro-dealers who are the middlemen for marketing and distribution of seeds produced to the end users to ensure proper handling of the seeds in their various stores to minimize damages on traded seed and maintain viability.
“Seed production is a specialized activity that requires high technical skills, and this cannot be acquired without training to impart the requisite knowledge and techniques in seed production which of course include all the production activities that take place on the field, as well as handling the seed during harvesting, processing, storage and distribution.
“It is for this course that we have gathered you here to be trained on the rudiments of quality seed production, processing, storage and handling; and enlighten you on the existing seed rules and regulations as enshrined in the new National Agricultural Seeds Council Act No 21 of 2019 to enable you operate within the confines of the law while producing and marketing seeds for your respective seed companies,” he said
Also, the Director, Seed Coordination and Management, Mr. Zidafamor Ebiarade Jimmy, training the participants, said the training is to enhance the ability of stakeholders in the seed sector to produce quality seeds using new technology.
He said the council is carrying everyone in the sector across the value chains along, saying the responsibility of seed quality does not rest on the scientist alone but on all in the sector.
“One of the challenges we have with seed production in Nigeria is not only in the production but in handling too, remembers that seed is a living entity, hence the storage is very importance as some farmers store their seeds with chemicals, kerosene, cements in their stores or in their boot of their cars packed in the sun and in the process kill the seeds.
“Sometimes, seed not germinating may not be the fault of the producers, but from the farmers’ handling of the seed before planting. That is while the training is for all stakeholders, so they can understand how to handle seeds as a living entity.
Also, one of the facilitator and former Director, Seeds Inspectorate in the Council Mr. Bayo Agboola, urged the participants to ensure they sell certified seeds to farmers.
He went further toe explain some activities in the sector that constitute infringement and offences and the penalties. This is even as he encourages whistleblowing against such infringement.
Agriculture
Shaping youths’ perception of Agriculture through Agrovest reality TV show
Joel Ajayi
The Agrovest reality Television show initiative aims to influence and change the way young people think about agriculture, redirecting a positive mental attitude .
Reality TV shows are TV programs where ordinary people are filmed in real life situations rather than actors.
Shaping ,implies molding or forming a new perspective of Agriculture on the minds of youths will go a long way in bringing about a change of attitude among young people.
Dr Emmanuel Abuhson ,CEO Tremma Agro Limited and the initiator of the Agrovest reality Television show says Agrovest reality TV show seeks to challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions about agriculture among young people and showcase the exciting and rewarding aspects of agriculture.
One thing that stands out for the show is the trend of making agriculture attractive to the youths while giving them a positive and constructive perception of agriculture .
Abuhson said this during a stakeholder meeting held in Abuja that the word Agrovest has been coined from two word meaning Agro from agriculture and vest from investment (Agrovest) .
37 boisterous young Nigerians would be selected from the 36 states and will be competing for a 60-day periods in a Agrovest reality TV show between the ages of 18 to 40.
He said that each of the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, will have one representative each. Which will make a total of 37 boisterous young Nigerians that will be competing in the
Agrovest reality TV show.
He said Agrovest is an edutainment TV reality show’s that its objective is to change the narrative in the agricultural sector.The show is a comprehensive agriculture training, advocacy and mentoring program delivered on an entertainment platform.
“These representatives from each state will showcase creative ways of exploring the agriculture industry, commercial insights and more .
“ The representative from each state will live and work together as a team on various agricultural chores that would be given to them during the competition.
“ This is where the commodities association comes in ,they will be training the participants on various agriculture commodities and will also form part of the judges to select who emerges the winner(s)as the case might be,” he said.
He also said that the selected participants will be required to complete all of these duties tasks over the course of the 60 days period and the winner will walk away with a N20 million cash reward and other consolation prizes that we will shortly disclose soon.
“ The idea is an effort to support our efforts in the food sector, innovation, and food security narratives across the country, shifting old viewpoints and making agriculture really appealing. Thereby gaining youth participation in agriculture,” he added.
“ This is in alignment with the President’s vision to ensure food security and the food crisis we have in all over the world.
“ I commend the support and commitment of the stakeholders including the Ministry of Agriculture and all our partners who are working day and night to make this project a reality.
The Presidents of various commodities including soursop, bamboos ,sesame were present at the first stakeholders meeting held in Abuja.
The Office of Senior Special Assistant
to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation ( HAPA) are in Collaboration with AgroVest TV Reality show.
Others partners are the Ministry of Agriculture, commodity association and other agriculture stakeholders across the country and globally.
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