By Adelola Amihere
In a move to increase the production of quality seed in recognition of its vital role as the foundation for a robust food production, the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) has initiated some measures to address all issues impacting negatively on the production of quality seeds for farmers in the country.
Dr. Olusegun Ojo, Director General of NASC, who announced this in a statement issued recently said SeedConnect which is an event, has been initiated to bring together all critical stakeholders in the seed industry in a bid to ensure that all issues impacting negatively on the production of seed systems were addressed.
According to him, “the SeedConnect creates a platform for seed industry stakeholders around the globe to address issues impacting the industry.
“It also creates an avenue to discuss ongoing innovations, identify critical gaps, develop strategic framework for scaling up delivery of high quality seeds to farmers, creates network and business partnership platforms, among local, regional and international partners.
“The impact of the event has continued to shape the seed space towards a self-sustaining system capable of generating the best of planting materials as we strive for a food secure nation.”
He posited that a viable seed system is the bedrock for agricultural productivity in any nation, adding that COVID-19 has negatively affected food systems directly and indirectly.
He called for more resilient pathways to withstand shocks in the agricultural sector occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that the two-day event which is slated for November 3-4, 2020 would be hosted by NASC, in collaboration with WandieVille Media, SEEDAN and Contact Consulting via digital platform.
The theme of SeedConnect event is, “Building Resilience in our Seed System to Achieve Sustainable Food systems.”
