The Climate Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme (CASP) of the International Food and Agriculture Development (IFAD), has called on farmers enlisted in the programme to plant quality seeds to increase their yield.
Communication Officer, IFAD-CASP, Mr. Abdullahi Surajo, said the programme embarked on the mobilisation of farmers in states where the programme was being run to cultivate quality seeds, adding that benefiting farmers could now differentiate between quality seeds and sub-standard seeds.
Surajo noted that the new IFAD programme was aimed at improving commercial production of crops especially rice, sorghum, and cowpea.
He gave an assurance that the IFAD-CASP would continue its partnership with the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) and the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), aimed at ensuring availability of quality seeds to farmers to guarantee food security in the country.
While highlighting the achievements of the programme, he gave an assurance that the programme would be extended to more states soon.
“We have achieved a lot in respect of cowpea and sorghum seeds planted in our various demonstration plots across the states. We also support our farmers with chemicals, fertilisers and agronomy services. I urge farmers to always work hand-in-hand with extension officers under the programme for proper guidance,’’ he said.
Six states, namely Borno, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara are participating in the six-year programme inaugurated in 2015 to achieve increased incomes, enhanced food security and reduced vulnerability of smallholder farmers, particularly women and youths, in the participating states.