Representatives from 17 Countries are meeting in the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT ) to assess progress made in the implementation of the harmonised regional regulations on seeds productions and trade
The delegates also seek for free movement of seeds across the borders within the region.
Organisers of the fifth Session of the West Africa Regional Seed and Seedling Committee meeting said CORAF in collaboration with West Africa Regional and Seedling Committee (WARSSC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with other partners and funded by UEMOA Commission were working out strategies to end fake seed trade, and also ensure a robust seed industry in the region, without violating member countries laws.
Executive Director of CORAF, Dr. Abdou Tenkouano in an official statement, noted that the countries in the region have worked hard to produce a harmonised seed industry regulations that will ensure that farmers get access to quality seeds.
He said, “harmonized laws and regulations provide the right conditions for promoting seed production and quality control. They provide the basis for healthy competition between seed companies, promote the free movement of seeds across borders and provide farmers with access to high quality seeds”.
Earlier in his speech, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono said that Nigeria’s membership of the International Seed Trade Movement has helped in standardizing seed production and distribution in the country.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Abdulkadir Mu’azu, also noted that Nigeria’s government was working to emerge the region’s hub for excellent seed practices.
He said, Nigeria had gone ahead of other countries by introducing molecular Diagnostic laboratory for seed testing.
