The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) has received a N20 million worth of GPS Devices and Field Inspection Kits by Japan International Cooperation Agency as part of efforts to increase the supply of quality seeds to increase rice production.
Receiving the kits on Thursday at the Council’s headquarters, Abuja, the Director General, Dr. Philip Olusegun Ojo, said these field inspection equipment and outfits will in no small measure contribute to the Council’s efforts in improving the quality of rice seeds.
He said the materials will be deployed to the field immediately for use, while also calling for more support.
“I am aware that concept notes have been developed under the National Rice Development Strategy II (NRDS II) where issues affecting the NASC and the Seed Industry in general have been clearly highlighted such as rehabilitation and upgrading of laboratory equipment; rehabilitation and upgrading of non-functional irrigation facility within the NASC premises.
“Support for the provision of utility and Field Inspection vehicles, capacity building and support for revamping of the moribund seed processing plant.L,” he said.
Presenting the kits to NASC, JICA Chief Representative, Nigeria office, Mr Nakagawa Takayuki, said since once of the most important inputs for rice cultivation is seeds, it is necessary to increase the supply of quality seeds to increase rice production, hence the need for the support.
