YIIFSWA-II exhibits at Annual NASC Seed Fair and Farmers Day
The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) held its annual Seed Fair and Farmers Day on 17 October, at their headquarters in Sheda, Abuja.
The theme of this year’s event was “Making quality seeds available, accessible and affordable to Nigerian farmers.” The new Federal Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono indicated that there is a strong correlation between intensification of food and commodity production and biotechnology. He noted the need to strengthen National Agricultural Research Institutes to continue researching and developing improved varieties through biotechnology for farmers.
Oiwoja Odihi of YIIFSWA-II showcasing seed tubers generated from AS vine cuttings.
He said: “The application of modern biotechnology to plant breeding is considered to be more efficient than conventional breeding techniques in the development of new and resilient crop varieties.” He urged Nigerians to embrace these technologies, which will help the country in its pursuit of food security.
After the opening ceremony, he toured the stands of seed companies and research institutes showcasing seed of improved varieties and technologies for boosting agricultural productivity in Nigeria. YIIFSWA-II showcased Aeroponics vine cuttings and seed tubers generated from AS vine seedlings ranging from 1 kg to less than 10 g.
During the tour of the exhibition, the Minister and his delegation stopped at the YIIFSWA-II stand and were impressed to see that seed yam tubers can be generated from vines. The Project Team attended to visitors and responded to their inquiries on seed yam tubers and good agronomy practices that could boost their ware yam production.
