Gov Kefas moves against fake seeds supply

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

To boost food production and to curb the sale of fake seeds, Governor Agbu Kefas has unveiled Taraba Seeds Limited, a company dedicated to transforming seed development and distribution nationwide.

Governor Kefas, during the unveiling yesterday in Abuja, described the launch as a transformative milestone for Taraba and Nigeria.

“With Taraba Seeds Limited, we are laying the groundwork for stronger harvests, improved livelihoods and greater national food resilience,” he said.

Also, Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Nicholas Namessan, said the new firm is expected to modernise farming practices, and expand access to certified, climate-resilient seeds for farmers across Nigeria.

Namessan noted that beyond seed supply, the project will drive job creation, stimulate agribusiness investments and raise incomes for smallholder farmers.

According to him, the initiative would bridge the gap between research institutions and farmers and also, ensuring scientific innovations translate into higher yields.

He added that the company will focus on multiplying, processing and distributing improved seed varieties tailored to Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones, stressing that crops like rice, maize, cowpea and sorghum will take centre stage.

Chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Tanko Bobbo, revealed that the adoption trials with Taraba Seeds Limited, the firm is expected to produce 12 tonnes per hectare.

Also, Chief Executive Officer of Taraba Seeds Limited, Dileepkumar Guntuku, assured Nigerians of the company’s commitment to quality assurance and collaboration with research institutions, regulators and private sector partners to guarantee certified seeds ahead of planting seasons.