The Kaduna State Government is validating a draft seed policy to improve seed quality and strengthen food security.
The commissioner for agriculture, Murtala Dabo disclosed this on Monday in Kaduna at a one day seed strategy validation meeting.
Dabo said the initiative, supported by AGRA and SYNERGOS, will institutionalise seed standards and boost productivity.
“Seed is a critical factor in productivity. Without improved seeds, farmers cannot get the required yields,” he said.
On GMOs, Dabo stressed that fears were based on misinformation.
“There is no harm in GMOs… improved seeds mean higher yields and more prosperity for farmers,” he added.
Victor Adejoh of SYNERGOS noted that Kaduna hosts over 60% of Nigeria’s seed companies, making it vital for the state to lead in adopting the national seed framework.
The policy, once adopted, is expected to benefit at least 550,000 smallholder farmers.
