Dr. Ishiak Othman Khalid, the Acting Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), has announced that the introduction of SeedTracker and SeedCodex will drive significant transformation in the country’s agricultural sector.
He stated that these innovative technologies are designed to enhance seed quality, ensure traceability, and boost farmers’ confidence.
While addressing journalists, Khalid stated that the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) of Nigeria is leveraging innovation to tackle the challenges of counterfeit seeds and inefficient certification processes.
He emphasized that this initiative aims to provide farmers with reliable access to high-quality, certified seeds, which are crucial for increasing productivity and ensuring food security.
Khalid further highlighted that the introduction of SeedTracker and SeedCodex reinforces NASC’s dedication to innovation and the empowerment of farmers.
These technologies help eliminate low-quality seeds, protect livelihoods, and contribute to food security. By providing farmers with access to certified seeds and expert guidance, they enhance productivity and profitability. Additionally, policymakers and development agencies benefit from reliable data, enabling more effective interventions.
Khalid emphasized that NASC’s adoption of these advanced solutions sets a new standard for agricultural excellence, positioning Nigeria and Africa for a more resilient and inclusive agricultural system.
He explained that SeedTracker is a digital platform designed to streamline seed production data and facilitate seamless communication among key stakeholders, including producers, regulators, and farmers.
“The system provides centralized access to critical information such as seed quantity, variety, and availability, promoting transparency and informed decision-making,” he stated.
“It also simplifies the registration process for seed producers, connects them with buyers, and digitizes seed certification, making compliance monitoring more efficient for regulators.”
Dr. Khalid highlighted that farmers will receive expert guidance on crop management, while policymakers and development agencies will leverage the data for informed interventions, fostering food security and agricultural growth.
“Its versatility across various crops and regions makes it a transformative tool in improving seed systems.”
The Acting Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) explained that SeedCodex works alongside SeedTracker to combat counterfeit seeds through electronic verification.
“Each seed package features a unique scratch-off code, allowing farmers to instantly verify authenticity via SMS. This strengthens trust in seed quality and safeguards farmers from substandard products,” he stated.
For seed companies and agro-dealers, “SeedCodex guarantees product authenticity, assuring customers of its legitimacy. Regulatory bodies utilize the system to ensure compliance with industry standards, while researchers gain valuable data to enhance seed quality assurance processes.
