The annual SeedConnect Africa Conference and Exhibition, opened in Abuja on Tuesday recording its 7th edition, with a resounding call from the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) for innovative, technology-driven solutions to address Africa’s escalating food security crisis.
The 2-day event, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, international partners, and experts to discuss the transformative role of technology in building resilient agricultural systems across the continent.
In his keynote address, the Acting Director General of NASC, Dr. Ishiaku Khalid, expressed concern over the critical food security challenges confronting Africa, exacerbated by climate change, economic instability, and violent conflicts.
Highlighting the conference’s theme, “Leveraging Seed Technology To Scale Up Africa’s Agricultural Productivity,” Dr. Khalid emphasized the urgency of adopting technological innovations to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture.
“Food security in Africa is under unprecedented threat, driven by global shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and local challenges, including rising inflation, insecurity, and climate change,” according to him.
Ishiaku reiterated that the conference aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to develop actionable innovation and strategies that will mitigate these impacts and enhance food production systems.
The Acting DG also revealed that SEEDCONNECT Africa, has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Nigerian Seed Systems because of the laudable contributions made by Stakeholders over the years, including the implementation of the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Act No. 5 of 2021, which has catalyzed investment in plant breeding and strengthened Nigeria’s seed system.
He also noted progress in Federal government’s accession to the International Union for the Protection of New Plant Varieties (UPOV), which will enhance international collaboration in the seed industry.
Dr. Khalid further highlighted key innovations like the SEEDCODEX electronic seed authentication system, which according to him, ensures farmers access to quality seeds, and the deployment of DNA fingerprinting technology under the IMAGE project to enhance seed traceability.
These efforts, he said, are part of NASC’s broader mission to modernize Nigeria’s seed sector and ensure food security for millions.
Acknowledging the contributions of international partners, including the Netherlands, AGRA, and the Syngenta Foundation, Dr. Khalid commended their support in fostering agricultural growth.
He however urged participants to propose bold, technology-driven solutions to Africa’s agricultural challenges.
The conference agenda included panel discussions, exhibitions, and collaborative sessions, with a focus on combating climate change, improving crop genetics, and fostering global partnerships.
Stakeholders are expected to provide actionable recommendations to strengthen Africa’s agricultural resilience and secure its food systems for the future.
Meanwhile during the exhibition, one of the standout displays according to our correspondent, came from SeedCo, one of Africa’s leading seed companies, which unveiled its new hybrid maize varieties designed to withstand drought conditions while providing higher yields.
The company’s exhibit also included advanced seed treatment technologies that promote faster germination and better crop establishment.
Visitors to the SeedCo booth, had ample opportunity to learn how these innovations can benefit smallholder farmers, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
Other key exhibitors, including AdasP, PATH-AWAY Yield Increase, Premier Seeds, PROSSIVSA, and OFAB Nigeria, showcased their innovations and seed varieties.
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