The 7th edition of the Seed Connect Conference and Exhibition, organized by the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), brought together global and regional agricultural leaders to discuss innovative approaches to addressing food insecurity, climate change, and advancing the seed system in Africa. Themed “Leveraging Seed Technology to Scale Up Africa’s Agricultural Productivity,” the two-day event showcased Nigeria’s leadership in agriculture while highlighting the critical role of seeds in achieving food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Arnab Gupta, Ambassador of the Netherlands and representative of WCDI Netherlands, acknowledged Nigeria’s significant strides in agriculture. In his keynote address, he emphasized the importance of strong partnerships, commending Nigerian seed companies, partners, and agencies for their collaborative efforts. Dr. Gupta expressed the Netherlands’ willingness to support Nigeria in strengthening its seed systems, which he described as pivotal to driving agricultural innovation and resilience.
Dr. Godwin Atser of Sasakawa Africa Association, highlighted the pressing challenges facing global food security, particularly in Africa. He stressed the need for regenerative agriculture as a sustainable solution to mitigate the effects of climate change and land degradation. “As we face unprecedented challenges, it is critical to adopt practices that not only improve productivity but also restore our ecosystems,” Dr. Aser said. He called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to transform agriculture into a tool for resilience and growth.
Also Mr. Rufus Idris, of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), congratulated the council, for yet another successful Seed Connect Conference, underscoring the importance of the event in Africa’s agricultural landscape. He emphasized that “everything agriculture starts with seeds,” positioning seeds as the foundation for addressing food insecurity and combating the impacts of climate change.
He assured participants of AGRA’s continued support for Africa’s seed systems and commended federal government’s effort in spearheading initiatives that inspire regional and global partnerships.
The Seed Connect Conference and Exhibition, once again proved to be a vital platform for discussing transformative solutions to Africa’s agricultural challenges. Delegates from around the globe echoed the call for stronger partnerships, innovation, and investment in the seed sector to bolster food security and environmental sustainability.