*The Japanese Government provides equivalent $3.5 million to Nigeria as part of measures to boost rice seed production, agricultural productivity, as well as food security in the West African country
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
The Nigerian Government has applauded the Japanese Government for continued support for improved agricultural productivity in the country.
ConsumerConnect reports Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, stated this in his keynote address at the recent formal handing-over ceremony of the Project for the Enhancement of Rice Seeds Production System.
The event held at the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, in Katcha Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.
Senator Abdullahi also commended the people of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their consistent support for agricultural development across Nigeria.
In a fresh move to help in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Japanese Government has provided about 587 million Japanese Yen, equivalent to $3.5 million, to boost rice seed production and agricultural productivity cum food security.
Envoy: Quality of certified seeds will increase yields, productivity of farmers
Speaking at the event in Niger State, Mr. Hideo Suzuki, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, disclosed this at the handing-over ceremony of the Project for the Enhancement of Rice Seeds Production System at the NCRI, Badeggi.
Suzuki said the agricultural production project would strengthen NCRI capacity to produce high-quality breeder and foundation rice seeds.
The envoy also noted that the effort would improve the quality of certified seeds supplied to Nigerian farmers nationwide, and ultimately, increase yields, productivity and confidence in the seed system.
Agriculture, he stated, remains a cornerstone of the Nigerian economy and food security.
Suzuki further stressed that growing demand for rice continued to outpace domestic production.
The envoy affirmed the Federal Government’s Second National Rice Development Strategy (2020–2030) has set the goal of doubling domestic rice production by 2030.
He emphasised that Japan is supporting the strategy through the seed project.
Suzuki, therefore, restated that quality seed is fundamental to successful agriculture.
He as well explained that modern farming technologies and good agronomic practices could only reach their full potential when farmers have access to reliable planting materials.
He also stated: “Good seed is the beginning of a good harvest.”
The Japanese Ambassador disclosed that the grant would finance modern agricultural equipment for NCRI Headquarters, and its outstations in Niger and Oyo states, comprising 20 medium-sized tractors, three rice transplanters, four small combine harvesters, and two excavators for seed cultivation and production.
Among other required equipment are four constant-temperature germination testers, three sets of automatic weather observation systems for testing purposes and seven small flat drying machines for post-harvest processing.