By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AS Nigeria’s rice consumption increases, the National Cereals Research Institute, NCRI, Badeggi, has boosted the capacity of 40 rice farmers in Niger and Oyo States on high-quality rice seed production to meet demands.

This was made known by the NCRI in a statement, where it explained that the capacity building was in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, and the National Agricultural Seed Council, NASC, as a ‘Community Rice Seed Production Project’ was launched to boost rice seed production in Niger and Oyo States.

The project is to strengthen the local rice seed system, in which 40 lead farmers were selected, 20 from each state, and they are to pioneer high-quality seed production in their respective communities.

Meanwhile, to equip the farmers with the necessary skills, an intensive training programme was organized on best agronomic practices, seed certification and the seed registration process.

Speaking on the initiative, the Director/Head of Department, HOD, Agricultural Engineering Department and Project Coordinator, NCRI, Badeggi, Dr Usman Aliyu, explained that the project is basically designed to enhance seed quality and improve farmers’ productivity.

Aliyu also said that the initiative will empower farmers with both technical knowledge and essential inputs to sustain quality rice seed production in Nigeria.

To support the trained farmers, they were provided with starter packs containing fertilizers, agrochemicals and high-yielding Faro 44 rice seeds to kick-start their production.

The Executive Director, NCRI Badeggi, Dr Mohammed Ndagi Ishaq, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to driving research and innovation that directly benefits farmers.

Ishaq also emphasized that projects like this align with NCRI’s mission to promote sustainable, demand-driven agricultural practices and contribute to national food security.

With this initiative, NCRI Badeggi and its partners continue to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector by ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality seeds, improved farming techniques and essential resources needed for increased productivity.