IITA To Mitigate Access To Improved Seeds

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) held a two-day pre-season and planning workshop to enhance the sustainable delivery of improved cowpeas to Nigerian smallholder farmers. IITA seed specialist, Professor Lucky Omoigui, highlighted the workshop’s goal of uniting stakeholders to finalize the 2024 wet-season work plan and develop a robust legume seed system. With Nigeria producing 2.3 million metric tons of cowpeas annually against a demand of over 3 million metric tons, Omoigui emphasized the importance of accessible, improved seeds to boost production and farmers’ income. Dr. Alpha Yaya Kamara of IITA and Yusuf Ado Kibiya of SEEDAN both stressed the need for expanded seed supply chains and collaboration among seed companies to ensure farmers’ access to quality seeds. Source: DailyTrust

OurReview

The recent pre-season and planning workshop organized by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) marks a significant step in addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Nigeria, particularly in cowpea production. The workshop aimed to consolidate efforts to deliver improved cowpea seeds, with the goal of closing the production deficit that currently stands at around 700,000 metric tons annually. Professor Lucky Omoigui highlighted the critical need for accessible, high-quality seeds to enhance cowpea yields. With Nigeria’s annual demand for cowpeas exceeding 3 million metric tons and current production at 2.3 million metric tons, the country has to import cowpeas to fill the gap. Improved seed varieties are expected to boost production, increase farmers’ incomes, and reduce import dependency. Dr. Alpha Yaya Kamara emphasized the importance of ensuring that rural farmers have equal access to these improved seeds, which is crucial for better preparation and yields. Yusuf Ado Kibiya of the Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN) affirmed their commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure farmers receive high-quality seeds. SEEDAN’s reinstatement as a full member of the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) and the establishment of a biotechnology committee further underscore their dedication to advancing seed quality and availability.