A non-governmental organisation, the Himma Agricultural Support Initiative (HASI), has partnered with the Katsina State Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to improve food productivity in the state.

The initiative President ands, 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.”’

Mr 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 using international agricultural best practices and 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.

Mr Jari noted that the government alone cannot bear the responsibility of seeds 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 per cent of farmers had access to improved seeds, except for maize.

It also found that 8.0 per cent of farmers had to travel an average of 12 kilometres to obtain improved seeds. Mr Jari spoke about 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.

Director of Administration at the Ministry of Agriculture, Muntari Lawa, noted that seeds were 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.

Mr Lawa urged stakeholders to ensure that farmers have access to quality seeds, resources, and market opportunities to sustain farming systems and promote sustainable agriculture.

He also highlighted that Governor Dikko Radda’s administration had 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.

Director General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council, Fatuhu Muhammad, stated that the celebration aligns with their goal of enhancing productivity and resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural systems.

Represented by Abdul Danlami-Abdul, the Council’s head of the Northwest Region, Mr Muhammad explained that seeds were 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.

(NAN)