Syngenta Foundation-Nigeria has on Friday issued an open communique at the end of its two-day workshop held at International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Kano Station, Kano.

The two-day workshop which was spearheaded by  Syngenta Foundation-Nigeria, Project Coordinator, Mr Isaiah Gabriel, had in attendance the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, ably represented by Alhaji Engr. Sabo Balareba.

The communique reads in full: 

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A TWO DAY WORKSHOP ORGANISED BY SYNGENTA FOUNDATION-NIGERIA, HELD AT THE INTER NATIONAL INSTITUTE  OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE, (IITA), KANO STATION, KANO, FROM JUNE 13-14, 2019

PREAMBLE: 

Syngenta Foundation-Nigeria, held a two-day workshop in Kano presided by Mr Isaiah Gabriel; Project Coordinator, Syngenta Foundation-Nigeria, with over 30 relevant stakeholders drawn from seed companies and beyond.

Some of the stakeholders were: Seed System Specialist at IITA, Dr Lucky Omoigui; AVISA Nigeria Project Coordinator, from Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Prof Yeye Mary; The Chairman Variety Release Sub-Committee, Prof. Olusoji Olufajo; The Technical Adviser to the DG, National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC); Folarin Okelola;  Country Head, International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT); Dr Hakeem Ajeigbe; Head Cowpea Breeding Unit, IITA; Dr. Boukar Ousmane, among other MDs/CEO of seed companies across Nigeria.
The Kano State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, ably represented by Alhaji Engr. Sabo Balareba was the Guest Speaker during the 2-day workshop.

THEME:

AVISA Projects holds a two day workshop to: Sensitise Seed Companies On Product Information and Market Opportunities of Improved Cowpea and Sorghum Varieties.”

The representative of the deputy governor delivered a keynote address on theme of the workshop.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
1. Overview of AVISA project and the role of SFSA.
2. Pipeline of target varieties for commercialisation 
3. Public-Private Partnership in product for advancement, demonstration  and dissemination. 

CHALLENGES/ CONSTRAINTS:

During the 2-day workshop, the stakeholders highlighted the challenges affecting agriculture as it affect cowpea and sorghum. 
1. Problem of poor agricultural policy as its affect cowpea and sorghum.
2. Communication gap between research Institutes, seed companies, small seed producers, seed input dealers, farmers, grain market sellers, and end users.
3. Problem of recycling seeds by farmers resulting to low yield.
4. Problem of unregistered seed companies taken over the market.
5. Inadequate extension officers/ agent updating farmers on new varieties and product information.
6. Lack of access to credit and high interest rates from financial institutions.
7. Low seed demand by farmers as a result of poor marketing.

 RESOLUTIONS:

The following resolutions were made by critical stakeholders in attendance:

1. Government should come up with favourable policies to safeguard farmers and seed companies.
2.  There should be enforcement of relevant laws. 
3. Advocacy laws to expand seed markets should be enacted.
4.  Seed Bill Laws already passed by the National or State Houses of Assembly should be signed into law.
5. There should be strong Agricultural Union champion by NASC to compel Government to enforce existing laws.