FG rolls out improved seeds to cushion impact of delayed rainfall

The Federal Government has launched a nationwide distribution of improved agricultural seeds to assist farmers impacted by delayed rainfall. At a ceremony in Jigawa State, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced the initiative aimed at mitigating the effects of seed shortages and disrupted rainfall.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the intervention to ensure affected farmers receive improved seeds within the remaining planting window. The programme targets states experiencing irregular rainfall, with priority given to northern and southern regions of Nigeria. Kyari highlighted that many farmers, particularly in Jigawa and northern states, had suffered significant losses due to early rains followed by prolonged dry spells that destroyed crops.

The intervention is designed as a recovery support mechanism to help farmers recover lost time and resources. Each participating state will receive specific quantities of certified cowpea, groundnut, and sesame seeds. Jigawa State is among the beneficiary states, with about 5,000 smallholder farming households set to benefit from the first phase of the rollout.

The seeds were selected for their short-duration nature, capable of maturing within the remaining rainfall period. The improved varieties can provide farmers with a realistic opportunity to harvest despite the setbacks caused by delayed rainfall, while contributing to national food security targets. The seeds are certified by the National Agricultural Seed Council, ensuring quality and combating counterfeit seeds.

The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen Nigeria's seed system under the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy.