FG to Prosecute suppliers of low quality seeds

The Director General, National Agricultural Seeds Council, Dr. P. O Ojo, has warned that the Federal Government would henceforth arrest and prosecute any persons, agent or distribution company found to be in the business of supplying low quality seeds in the country.

Ojo made this known on Monday in Kano during the inauguration and training of NASC seed inspectors which took place at the African House.

According to him, the Federal Government has received reports of disturbing complaints from farmers and stake holders across the country alleging low quality seeds being supplied and distributed under different seed related or seed-focused initiatives and interventions managed by national and international organizations, including government – funded agencies and donor supported programmes.

“I wish to inform the public that the council shall henceforth strictly enforce the rules against sharp practices and prosecute any individual or organization that contravenes any of the provisions of the subsisting laws.”

Ojo directed that all seed-producing entities, either government, private or donor, including international Agricultural Centers ( IITA, ICRISAT AND AFRICA RICE) must henceforth ensure that all seed classes( Breeder,Foundation and Certified) produced under their respective projects must

henceforth carry appropriate NASC, certification tag as the only seal of authentication, confirming that these seeds have passed the necessary quality standards as prescribed in the seed law. Any seed without such label, should be rejected by the farmers.

“The council shall henceforth increase its raids to include all stores, warehouses and market where ever seeds are being stored to confirm the authenticity of the stores seeds.

Any person who engages in any seed related activity without proper recourse to the seed act will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

In his remark, the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh stated that the Government is committed safeguard the livelihood of farmers.

As part of the measures taken to curb the unscrupulous seed merchants, the seed council which has the statutory responsibility of regulating seed market and enforcing the provisions of the seed act has embarked on public enlightenment and sensitization programmes in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps.

Ogbeh stress that quality seed is paramount to enhancing agricultural productivity as it contributes more than 50percent of increased crop productivity per area.

Yakubu Salisu, Kano