Stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector have recently validated new quality standards and certification guidelines to bolster yam productivity and enhance quality across the country. This initiative, aimed at improving seed yam quality and efficiency, was undertaken in a collaborative effort between the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
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Strengthening the Yam Sector through Quality Standards
At a workshop facilitated by NASC, key industry players gathered to review and endorse these new standards, which are designed to help farmers produce superior-quality seed yams. This quality upgrade is expected to lead to healthier, more productive crops, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s food security and agricultural economy.
Dr. Ishiak Khalid, Acting Director-General of NASC, emphasized the workshop’s purpose as essential for enhancing seed yam quality standards. He noted, “The goal of this initiative is to support farmers with high-quality seed yams and reliable certification processes that guarantee optimal yam production.”
Programme for Seed System Innovation in Africa
The five-year project, called the Programme for Seed System Innovation of Vegetatively-Propagated Crops in Africa (PROSSIVA), addresses critical gaps in the seed yam production process. PROSSIVA, funded by international development agencies, focuses on overcoming the challenges in seed yam delivery by implementing innovative propagation techniques. Techniques like hydroponics, aeroponics, and tissue culture are being applied to improve both the efficiency and quality of seed yam production. These methods ensure that seed yams are disease-free and of high quality, which is expected to increase productivity for farmers.
Certification Guidelines for Quality Assurance
One of the workshop’s primary achievements was the validation of new certification guidelines for seed yam production. According to Dr. Khalid, these guidelines will serve as quality management protocols, establishing minimum standards that will ensure only the best planting materials are accessible to farmers. This certification process is crucial for building a transparent and accountable system where both producers and consumers can trust the quality of seed yams in the market.
The guidelines encompass specific requirements for seed purity, size, and health status, aligning with internationally recognized standards for agricultural products. These standards will also aid Nigerian farmers in accessing new markets, both locally and internationally, further boosting Nigeria’s agricultural export potential.
Transforming Agriculture with Innovation and Collaboration
The NASC-IITA partnership represents a major stride toward sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria. By adopting innovative seed propagation techniques, this project enables farmers to reduce crop losses caused by poor seed quality and to maximize their yield potential. This approach also allows for a more sustainable yam production system that can cater to the rising demand for food in Nigeria.
Stakeholders from various sectors within agriculture are optimistic that the newly validated standards will foster a more resilient and productive yam supply chain. As Nigeria is one of the largest producers of yam globally, the benefits of this initiative could position the country as a leader in sustainable yam production practices.
The success of the PROSSIVA project could also inspire similar quality standard efforts across other crops in Nigeria, helping to secure the nation’s agricultural economy and food security for the future.
For further details, visit the original report on Leadership News.
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