From Our Correspondent In Katsina
Himma Agricultural Support Initiative ,HASI, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has partnered with the Katsina State Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to improve food productivity in the state.
HASI President, Prof. Sanusi Jari, confirmed this on Saturday at the first International Seed Day celebration in Katsina.
The theme of the celebration was ‘The Role of Improved Seed in Enhancing Yield, Productivity and Livelihood in Our Communities’.
Jari stated that the celebration provided a platform for stakeholders in the sector to raise awareness among farmers about the adoption of improved seeds for higher productivity.
He added that participants also discussed and shared experiences, skills, and technologies related to the development and use of improved seeds in Katsina State.
HASI, formed by seasoned agricultural professionals, collaborates with stakeholders to help farmers, especially women and youth, increase their productivity and income.
This is achieved through the use of international agricultural best practices, addressing climate change challenges in the process.
HASI is one of the first registered associations in the state with a programme designed to complement the government’s efforts.
Jari noted that the government alone cannot bear the responsibility of seed and extension service delivery to farmers.
The organisation’s first activity in 2024 was a baseline study focused on improved seeds, environment, and extension service delivery, among other factors.
The study, conducted in 320 communities from 80 wards across 16 Local Government Areas, revealed that less than 10% of farmers had access to improved seeds, except for maize.
It also found that 8.0% of farmers had to travel an average of 12 kilometres to obtain improved seeds. Jari mentioned the potential of local seed varieties that could be improved with collaboration.
Other study results included research-extension-farmer linkage and a demand for 1,169,542 assorted tree seedlings for planting around public infrastructure and other areas.
Alh. Muntari Lawa, Director of Administration at the Ministry of Agriculture, noted that seeds are essential not just as inputs but also for farmers’ livelihoods.
He emphasised the need to protect farmers’ rights, preserve their diversity, and support them, particularly given the challenges of climate change.
Lawa called for ensuring that farmers have access to quality seeds, resources, and market opportunities to sustain farming systems and promote sustainable agriculture.
He also highlighted that Gov. Dikko Radda’s administration has made significant strides in improving the agricultural sector, with a vision of making Katsina a hub for agricultural production in Nigeria.
The administration has heavily invested in the sector, aiming to harness the state’s vast agricultural potential.
Alh. Fatuhu Muhammad, Director General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council, stated that the celebration aligns with their goal of enhancing productivity and resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural systems.
Represented by Mr Abdul Danlami-Abdul, the Council’s head of the Northwest Region, Muhammad explained that seeds are fundamental to food systems, culture, identity, and hope.
He also called for action to support seed conservation, promote seed diversity, and ensure farmers, especially smallholders, have access to improved and climate-resilient varieties.
