Niger Delta Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs Get Agric Productivity Boost

Determined to enhance agricultural productivity, improve farmers’ income and contribute to food security in the Niger Delta, stakeholders yesterday held a Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs (CSE) Certification Workshop in Asaba, Delta State.

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), in collaboration with the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) and National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike Seeds Company and key partners, hosted the workshop.

Anas Mustafa, PIND’s Market Systems Development Advisor, noted, “The success of this workshop underscores the critical role of cassava seed entrepreneurs in improving agricultural productivity in the Niger Delta.

“By equipping these entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need, we are not only enhancing cassava production but also contributing to economic growth and food security in the region.”

“The CSE certification programme is part of PIND’s ongoing efforts to promote pro-poor growth and sustainable development in the Niger Delta by strengthening market systems that drive income and job creation,” he stated.

The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Delta State, Mr Austin Oghoro, represented by the deputy director of Agro Services in the same ministry, Mr Leo Oburotha, appreciated the PIND Foundation for putting up such a workshop adding that the state government is in support of cassava production.

The Education Officer Kolping Society of Nigeria, Mrs Kemdirim Anaetochi, said the workshop would enhance CSE’s knowledge of seed certification and traceability systems in cassava stem production and would foster knowledge and networking among stakeholders and cassava seeds entrepreneurs.

The workshop marks a significant step toward improving cassava yields, supporting smallholder farmers, and unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurship in the region.

The workshop brought together 25 certified cassava seed entrepreneurs, government officials, agro-dealers, and other stakeholders to strengthen cassava seed production and distribution systems in the Niger Delta region who pledged to put into practice the knowledge gained.

Recall that the CSE programme was designed as a market-driven initiative to address the challenges of low-yielding and disease-susceptible cassava varieties by empowering smallholder farmers with access to high-quality, disease-resistant cassava stems.