Food Production: Minister Seeks Implementation Of Robust Systems

The adoption of high-quality, climate-resilient seed varieties, supported by robust systems for production, storage and distribution, with aggressive policy implementation, will overcome food security challenges in Nigeria.

The Minister of state for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi made this pronouncement at a Stakeholders’ Meeting on Enhancing Seed Production Systems for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, in Abuja on Wednesday emphasized that high-quality seeds tailored to specific agro-ecological conditions are essential for achieving higher yields, ensuring food security, and building resilience to climate change.

Nigeria’s agriculture sector faces significant challenges exacerbated by the effects of climate change, insecurity in farming communities, pests and diseases. Which has led to decrease in food production and growing demand for food availability and affordability, prompting the declaration of state of emergency on food security by the Tinubu’s administration in July 2023. Ever since then, stakeholders have been increasingly worried and seeking for solutions.

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This convergence of seed producers believe the development and adoption of high-quality, climate-resilient seed varieties, and the right policy implementation, can overturn the current situation.

Speakers one after the other, emphasized the importance of modern technology in breeding crop varieties that respond optimally to inputs, yield higher outputs, resist pests and diseases, as well as adapt to climate change conditions.

The workshop brought together critical stakeholders in the seed industry to engage and explore innovations in seed production, strategies to ensure the production and availability of high-quality seeds, tailored towards ensuring increased food production.

(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)