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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The National Seed Council (NASC) has vowed to develop cassava seed chain in Nigeria in addition to addressing factors causing low cassava productivity.
Director General of NASC, Dr. Philip Olusegun Ojo made these known through the Director, Seed Certification and Quality control in the agency, Dr. Ishiak Khalid during a seminar the agency organised in collaboration with National Roots Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Umuahia for the third-party cassava licensed seed inspectors.
He said that NASC is fulfilling its mandate under the recently signed National Agric Seed Act 2019, which empowers her to engage third-party agents in seed certification in line with the global best approach.
The NASC DG said the participants would be acquainted with cassava seed system, certification protocol and skills as well as being exposed to cassava seed tracker.
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He further explained that the third-party agents will assist to meet the high demand for seed inspection officers across the country.
The Executive Director, National Roots Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike, Prof. Ukpabi Joseph Ukpabi, represented by Dr. Godwin Asumuha, described the training as a very important national assignment; and encourage the participants to make integrity their watch word.
One of the participants, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Onyemachi said the secret of enhanced agricultural productivity lies in the quality of seeds planted.
He hanked the NASC for the initiative which he described as the way forward.
