The National Seed Council has commenced the process of certifying Anambra State seeds through the inspection of FG/IFAD VCDP seed farms at Ayamelum, Anambra East, Awka North and Orumba North Council Areas.
The farms, which their geo reference have been captured, were owned by FG/IFAD VCDP youths trained at International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, IITA Ibadan by African Rice in 2016.
Agric correspondent Ebele Ezeh reports that the field inspection was also aimed at ensuring that the seed producers adhered strictly to lay down rules and regulations guiding seed certification.
In his speech, the state Programme Coordinator, FG/IFAD VCDP, Mr.
Nnamdi Agwuncha said they invited National Seed Council to monitor and guide the youth seed farmers so that they can secure certification and their seeds could be stamped certified seed for global use.
Mr. Agwuncha, represented by the state Agric Production Officer, Mr.
Emmanuel Chukwukwelu, announced that the seed would be used for this year’s dry season farming,
The seed certification officer for Anambra State, Mr. Jude Nwokpoku , who applauded the seed farmers for their determination and activities in farming, advised them to always keep their farms neat devoid of weeds to avoid contamination.
Mr. Nwokpoku while the organic nature of the farm, its isolation from residential areas and accurate distancing, noted that if these measures were maintained, it will facilitate the certification of the farm and encouraged them to do more as farming is now a lucrative business.
One of the owners of the farms visited, Mr. Peter Okonkwor from Omor, Ayamelum Council Area, who was trained at IITA Ibadan on seed production by African Rice in 2017, disclosed that he had already stepped down the knowledge garnered to ten more people as he cannot satisfy the demand from within the state and other neighbouring states alone. ~
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