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The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN), National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) and other stakeholders have inaugurated a start-up company in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration of the company, ‘ECOBasic Seed’, is part of efforts to increase the productivity and profitability of seed companies and farmers in the country.
The company will also produce foundation seed of the highest quality and purity for Nigerian and West African markets.
Speaking at the grand opening in Abuja on Wednesday, the Managing Director, ECOBasic Seed Company, Brighton Karume, said the company would provide quality and sustainable foundation seed solutions to hybrid companies.
Karume added that the company would Catalyze the development of hybrid maize technology adoption rate in Nigeria.
He said that closing the national maize production and demand gap would required concerted efforts by players across the value chain.
Karume reiterated the need to accelerate awareness and widespread use of improved, disease-resistant maize seed varieties that can resist striga and fall armyworm infestation thereby boosting yield.
He stated that the company will be providing the services of genetically pure foundation seed so that the genetic potential of the hybrids is realized.
According to him, ECOBasic will concentrate in Nigeria, while in the long run, it will target the greater Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Region.
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“It will target indigenous and international seed companies that produce certified hybrid seeds.
“Currently, ECOBasic is focusing on foundation seed for hybrid seed maize production”, he said.
In his remark, the Executive Director of AATF, Dr Kanangire Canisius, said ECOBasic seed company was driven by the mission to sustainably produce foundation seeds of the highest quality and purity for hybrid seed production for seed companies, thereby enhancing profitability, productivity, and food security in West Africa.
He expressed concern that Africa had remained the leading continent where issues of hunger and poverty remained on the increase, and where agricultural productivity remained at its lowest.
“ECOBasic Seed Company is coming at a time when the seed sub-sector in the region needs a vibrant player to fill in the gap”, he said.
Also speaking , Director-General, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, said for African nation to be self-sufficient in agricultural food production, and the journey to food security begins with quality foundation seed with undiluted purity.
“If you can get the seed sector right, then you have solved almost 70 percent of the challenges associated with agriculture,” he said.
