Nigeria unveils 1st seed diagnostics testing lab as 2018 seed fair ends

Last week, in Sheda, Abuja, the National Council for Agricultural Seeds (NASC) organized the 2018 Seed Seed Fair and Farmers Field Day, apparently to demonstrate what it has achieved since 2018 is gradually ending.

NASC also used this event to officially launch its first molecular seed testing laboratory for the country.

Since 2016, Fera is an international center for interdisciplinary research and solving problems in plant and bee health, plant protection, sustainable agriculture, food and feed quality and chemical safety in the environment, working with the seed council to develop and create a laboratory operating room.

With this laboratory, developed by Fera pest and disease diagnostics specialists and funded by Bill and Melinda Gates, the seed advice will provide a better overhaul of seeds for the seed industry.

According to Julian Smith of Fera, who attended the show in Abuja on behalf of the organization, the facility can serve a variety of seed tests for cassava, tomatoes, corn, Irish potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes.

Mr. Smith added that the importance of seed certification is key to preventing the entry and spread of major seed-related diseases, such as brown Cassava disease and the lethal necrosis of maize, which, if introduced into West Africa, can destroy its agriculture. .

When commissioning the laboratory, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Audu Ogbeh praised NASC's efforts to ensure the quality of certified seed not only for Nigerian farmers, but also in the wider region of West Africa.

In connection with the floods that erupted in the hearts of many stakeholders at these events, they spoke of the need to develop improved varieties to solve emerging problems, such as the flood that testifies this year.

Richard Olafaré, who is president of the Nigerian Seed Producers Association, called on the government to immediately intervene in new technologies because of the severe flood destruction and damage to farms throughout the country.

Responding to the call, Chief Ogbe expressed concern about the situation, noting that the country could face a food crisis if farmers who lost their crops for flooding in the states would not be supported again during the dry season.

At the Seed Fairground, many seed companies whose products are certified by the council, demonstrated their new technologies – from seeds, agrochemicals and seedlings.

Fruits and Veggies by Jos visited three varieties of Irish potatoes: Connet, Jelly and Marabel. It is said that the three varieties do well in the growing belts of the country.

Other seed companies, such as Premier Seeds, Syngenta and many others, were ready to showcase their products.

In addition, research organizations such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Institute for Agricultural Research (AHP), Zaria, presented at the exhibition many of their new and old technologies that will be of interest to interested parties.

Some of these technologies are new varieties of grains, yams, cassava and vegetables, which increase the tonnage and productivity of farmers.

Despite the presence of some private sector entities in agriculture, government departments, donor agencies, and members of the diplomatic community, it could be expected that more than 200 seed companies and entrepreneurs were licensed for advice.

Such a show should have been mandatory for them and be held in a place that will attract more participants.

Secondly, the Council did not conduct a massive public awareness campaign, which was key to raising awareness of such a specialized event that considers only seeds. Observers noted that the council should strengthen.

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