Institute trains 500 community-based seed producers on crop variety preservation

The International Crops Research for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has revealed that under the state’s Agro Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), 500 community-based seed producers will receive training on preserving crop varietal genetic purity as a measure to boost agribusiness and agricultural activities in the state.

Speaking to participants during the training, ICRISAT Country Representative, Dr Angarawai Ignatius, revealed that it is apparent that the best way to start as a farmer is to have a good seed, adding that a lot of farmers have been experiencing low yield simply because they failed in accessing good seeds at the initial stage.

He explained that for an effective agribusiness, it is equally very vital to train the community seed producers on the best practices of ensuring proper seed preservation to maintain the crop’s genetic purity as well as to provide chances for a good agricultural business that goes beyond farming to eat.

“It is very important to educate community seed producers on the advantages of ensuring that farmers, especially at the grassroots, have desisted from the habit of using grains instead of certified seeds.  The institute is also working towards linking these community seed producers with mega seed companies to off-take their produce for better and effective agribusiness,” he said.

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In his remarks, the Managing Director (MD) Kano Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), Dr Farouk Kurawa, stated that Kano State government is committed to repositioning the status of the agricultural sector in the state, adding that the new Kano State administration will do its best in ensuring that famers in the state are given due priority in their agricultural activities.

The MD also revealed that the state government will soon introduce a sustainable agricultural subsidy to Kano farmers, which will encourage, boost and assist farmers in the state.