Stakeholders in the yam production sector yesterday authenticated new quality standards and certification guidelines aimed at boosting yam productivity and quality in Nigeria.
At a workshop organised by the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the industry leaders gathered to validate guidelines that will ensure the production of high-quality seed yams through innovative propagation techniques.
Acting director-general of NASC, Dr Ishiak Khalid, stated that the workshop’s goal was to enhance seed yam quality standards.
Organised under the five-year project—Programme for Seed System Innovation of Vegetatively-Propagated Crops in Africa (PROSSIVA), the initiative seeks to overcome the bottlenecks in seed delivery systems through research and innovation for crops propagated through techniques like hydroponics, aeroponics and tissue culture.
According to the DG, the validation of certification guidelines was necessary to support yam quality management protocols and set minimum seed standards to ensure that only the best planting materials reach farmers.
He said that NASC remains dedicated to quality in seed production.
Representing the Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN), acting executive-secretary, Stephen Adigun noted that the new guidelines would foster consistency in quality and productivity, while positioning quality seed yams as foundational to sustainable agricultural growth in Nigeria.
Adigun outlined SEEDAN’s focus on ensuring seed yams meet criteria such as varietal purity, disease prevention, and optimal physical standards to support farmers and enhance yields.
SEEDAN also advocated that these guidelines will empower seed entrepreneurs to meet both domestic and international standards, driving Nigeria’s agricultural growth.
“Quality seed yams are essential to a resilient agricultural system, transforming food security and economic stability across our communities,
“Let us continue to work together to uphold these standards and contribute to a prosperous future for our agricultural sector,” Adigun said.
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