Insecurity prevents northern farmers from seed provision – Agrobiz boss

The Managing Director of a Kaduna-based agribusiness, ECOBasic Seeds Company Limited, Brighton Karume, said the insecurity bedevilling the north-western region is hampering  the organisation’s efforts  in meeting its target of providing seedlings for farmers in the region.

If not brought under check, Karume said the insecurity would impede the nation’s quest for self-sufficiency in food production.

The Ecobasic Seed firm which debuted last year with fanfare in the state, aimed at supplying seed solutions to local seed companies with the objective to produce and supply foundation seed of the highest quality and purity to Nigeria  and the West African sub- region.

The agro-business  firm was established by the Africa Agriculture Technology Fund, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, and the Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria.

However, the agrobiz boss, at a press briefing in Kaduna,  expressed concern about the insecurity characterised by banditry, kidnapping and other related crimes, which he said has affected the company which marked its first anniversary with fanfare on Saturday.

He also decried that 90 percent of Nigerian farmers were not using the right seed to boost the maize production in the country.

He also reiterated that ECObasic Seed Company has the capacity to bridge the existing gap in seed production in the country and even beyond.

He stated, ‘’We are convinced that with sustained investment, Nigeria will be able to bridge its annual maize deficit which currently stands at eight million metric tons.”

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