Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have continued to make efforts to boost the quality of yam seed produced in Nigeria, which will give way for seamless exportation of the crop and production of quality yam for consumption.
Speaking at the One-Day Stakeholders’ Validation Workshop on Seed Yam Certification Guidelines and Minimum Quality Standards for Various Seed Production Techniques, the Acting Director General of the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), Dr. Ishiak Khalid, said Nigeria is a member of several international agricultural bodies; hence, there is a need to develop our seed system for export.
The workshop was organised by NASC in collaboration with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Program for Seed System Innovation of Vegetatively Propagated Crops in Africa (PROSSIVA).
Dr. Khalid explained that PROSSIVA is a new five-year project designed to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of vegetatively propagated crop (VPC) seed systems in Africa through research and delivery of innovations that will overcome seed system bottlenecks.
He said that the PROSSIVA project helps to improve the functioning of seed delivery systems and generates innovations to promote seed delivery through technological, marketing, and institutional research.
The NASC boss therefore said that the workshop targets enhancing the quality of planting materials being multiplied through various production techniques such as hydroponics, aeroponics, temporary immersion bioreactor systems (TIBS), and tissue culture techniques for vegetatively propagated crops by some private seed companies, especially under the PROSSIVA project.
He assured that the NASC will continue to sustain its efforts towards ensuring that only quality seeds are produced by accredited seed producers.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN), Stephen Adigun Oludapo, said in his goodwill message that the association recognises that achieving consistent quality and productivity in seed yam production is not just beneficial but essential for our agricultural growth and productivity.
He said quality seed yams are the backbone of a resilient and sustainable agricultural system, capable of transforming food security and economic stability across our communities.
“It is our belief that these guidelines and quality standards are designed to ensure that seed yams produced meet the highest standards for purity, vigour, and yield potential.
“They address key elements across several production methods, including conventional, tissue culture, and aeroponic systems, each tailored to foster quality at every stage of the production process. For seed yam certification, these standards focus on three primary aspects: genetic purity, phytosanitary quality, and physical standards.
“First, genetic purity ensures that only seeds of the intended variety are produced and distributed. These guidelines require rigorous checks at various stages, from mother stock selection to final harvest, to maintain varietal consistency.
“Next, phytosanitary quality standards are enforced to prevent disease spread and contamination, including guidelines on isolation distances, disease-free planting materials, and regular inspections by trained officers.
“Finally, physical quality standards ensure that only yams with optimal shape, size, and maturity are certified for planting, enhancing the quality and productivity of the crop.
These guidelines, according to him, strive to empower seed yam entrepreneurs to produce certified, high-quality seeds that meet both domestic and international market standards.
Oludapo said adhering to these protocols, farmers can be supported with reliable planting material, enhance productivity, and contribute to the broader agricultural and economic growth of Nigeria.
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