By Nnamdi Ojiego

In response to Nigeria’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in the agricultural sector by President Bola Tinubu, Syngenta Foundation-Nigeria (SFN), has showcased crop varieties aimed at enhancing farmers’ yields and contributing to global food security.

The event themed, “Global Declaration of Food Emergency: The Role of the Seed Industry in Ensuring Africa’s Food and Nutrition Security,” and organized by the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) in collaboration with other partners, drew a diverse array of participants, including seed experts, policymakers, academics, and stakeholders from across Africa and around the globe. 

The two-day program featured discussion panels addressing critical thematic areas within the seed industry and proposing effective solutions. The exhibition area showcased input businesses and programs in the seed sector, fostering learning, networking, and partnerships among stakeholders.

During the exhibition, Syngenta spotlighted numerous improved varieties under the AVISA project platform, including FUAMPEA 1, 2, 3, 4; SAMPEA 11, 14, 15, and ALKAM SUPER for cowpea. Sorghum varieties such as SAMSORG 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 52, 53, 54; CSR – 01, and CSR – 02 were also highlighted, along with groundnut varieties like SAMNUT 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29. Millet (Chakti variety) was also inclusive.

Speaking on new technologies and how the local seed sector can spur economic growth through biotechnology and plant breeding innovation in Nigeria and West Africa, SFN’s Country Program Manager, Isaiah Gabriel, emphasized the vision of the Foundation, which is, to improve the livelihood of smallholders’ farmers, and the role SFN is playing in the Nigeria seed industry.

Isaiah said: ‘’The Foundation on the platform of AVISA project actively facilitates the commercialization of improved Cowpea and sorghum varieties through a go-to-market strategy which leads to increased varietal turnover, thereby contributing to a substantial increase in genetic gains.”

He highlighted the importance of breeders interacting with farmers, seed companies, consumers, and other relevant stakeholders in the seed value chain to align breeding efforts with consumer preferences. 

Isaiah recalled that Syngenta, under the AVISA platform, is working to change the narrative, ensuring that breeding decisions are informed by consumers for seamless varietal adoption. The Foundation urges scientists to consider Target Product Profile and Market Segmentation, aligning breeding efforts with specific market agro-ecology 

He added that the Foundation has played a pivotal role in building the capacity of over 17 seed companies and facilitating license agreements between private and public entities.

Earlier, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, called for increased investments in the seed industry to ensure food security in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of research and innovation in empowering farmers for a more food-secure and prosperous nation.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, linked food insecurity in Africa to factors addressable by the seed sector. He expressed optimism in changing the narrative with Tinubu’s Food agenda, aiming to ensure that when Nigeria produces, Africa has enough food to eat.

Dr. Khalid Ishiak, Acting Director-General of NASC, welcomed participants, dedicating this year’s event to addressing global food emergencies and emphasizing the pivotal role of Africa’s seed sector in ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food.

In a goodwill message, Hon. Bello Kaoje, Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, praised the organizers for their dedication, foreseeing strengthened collective partnerships toward achieving food security.

Additional goodwill messages were presented by Ambassadors of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Wouter Plomp, representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and the Africa Seed Trade Association.