NASC @50; Council Realigns EGS Policy for Improved Food Security

The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) have reeled out policy realignment on Early General Seed (EGS) production for improved seed production and food security as the Council marks its 50 years.

The Acting Director General of the Council Dr. Ishiak Khalid reeled out the new set of policy directives at a media briefing at the end of a 2- day Annual EGS Planning and coordination meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.

Dr. Khalid said “Early-generation seeds, comprising breeder and foundation seeds, are crucial to maintaining the genetic integrity and productivity of seeds planted by farmers nationwide”

He however noted that challenges persist in the areas of timely production, coordination, regulation, and distribution, especially under the liberalized regime after 2011.

To mitigate these challenges, Dr. Khalid reeled out the new policy guidelines for seed production in Nigeria which includes;

1. New Policy Directives on EGS Production and Marketing

From this time onward, only accredited public and private sector organizations are permitted to produce and commercialized EGS in Nigeria. This directive ended the earlier policy that allowed certain institutions to produce EGS for their own use.

2. Institutionalization of a Competitive EGS Market and Mandatory Reporting of EGS Transactions.

3. Re-accredit all approved EGS Production spin-off companies owned by NARIs and the Private Sector for capacity assessment

4. Investment in Technology and Capacity Development to introduce compulsory traceability and digital tracking.

5. Implementation of the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) System

6. Stronger Public-Private Sector Collaboration

7. Data-Driven Decision-Making

CALL TO ACTION

While calling for support, Dr. Khalid urged stakeholders to rally behind the move by Council to reengineer food production in the country.

“We therefore call on all stakeholders—including government ministries, research institutions, seed companies, the media, and development partners—to rally behind this policy realignment to ensure that Nigerian farmers have access to reliable, high-quality seeds that drive agricultural transformation and food security in support of Mr. President drive to make Nigeria a food secure nation”

“The decisions made here will have a direct impact on Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and food security agenda. Now, we must translate these commitments into action. With determination, collaboration, and innovation, Nigeria will build a robust and resilient seed system that ensures food security for all” He added.