The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) has announced the passage of the Plant Varieties Protection Bill (PVP) by the 9th National Assembly, saying the bill awaiting President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent will protect plan breeders as it grants intellectual property right to them.
Delivering a keynote address at the just concluded Maize Conference organised by Bayer Nigeria Limited in Abuja recently, he said supporting the development of new plant varieties is an essential response to achieving food security and agricultural sustainability, especially in a context of climate change and global population growth.
Speaking to the theme of the conference which focuses on maize production in Nigeria, Dr. Ojo said over 140 varieties of both publicly and private bred maize have been released in Nigeria all in a bid to ensure increase genetics and productivity.
He however expressed concern that despite this huge number in Nigeria, productivity is not yet peaked when compared with other countries of the world. Saying averagely in Nigeria, the yield potential of maize varieties ranges from 2.8-3.2Mt for OPV which is very low and unacceptable if we are to maximize productivity.
According to him: “Development, Production and dissemination of Quality Seeds of Maize amongst others is central to providing adequate response to these many challenges. A strong seed system with linkages between all stakeholders is essential for delivering quality seeds and improved crop varieties which in turn are crucial for global food security and survival of small holders’ farmers.
“The importance of seed in the Agricultural revolution of a year nation is not in doubt. The growth of this sector would be hampered without a proper structured seed system to support the industry. Seeds remains the single most important component of crop productivity, MAKING SEEDS AVAILABLE TODAY WILL PROVIDE FOOD FOR TOMORROW, PROTECT THE COUNTRY FROM FOOD INSECURITY, SUSTAIN JOBS and crate a means of livelihood for the rural poor who rely mostly on crop production.”
He therefore assured that NASC will continue to support and create the enabling environment for private sector participation in the Nations Seed trade.
