By Grace Samuel
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have donated 1.34 tonnes of improved rice, millet, and sorghum seeds to farmers in Yobe State.
The donation, sponsored by USAID under the Feed the Future Nigeria Integrated Agriculture Activity (NIAA) project, aims to transform agriculture in the region.
The seed distribution ceremony, held in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Saturday, July 20, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the efforts to foster agricultural growth and enhance food security in the region.
Mr. Prakash Silwal, Chief of Party and Principal Specialist of NIAA project, emphasized the group’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and resilience in achieving sustainable agricultural success.
The donation is part of the NIAA project’s expanded scope, launched in September 2022, to scale up interventions in seed system development across Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, and Yobe.
The project has empowered Community-Based Seed Cooperatives (CBSCs) with training in good agronomy practices, access to critical agricultural inputs, and facilitated testing by the National Agricultural Seeds Council Laboratory in Gombe.
The event also saw the presentation of certificates to 28 Community-Based Entrepreneurs trained by the group in Yobe from 2022.
Silwal highlighted the vast opportunities in the seed development sector and pledged the groups’ commitment to setting an agricultural development and food security agenda for the Northeast region.
The donation and certification ceremony demonstrate the partnership’s dedication to driving agricultural transformation and ensuring food security for all.