As Nigeria’s demand for rice continues to rise, the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, has enhanced the capacity of 40 rice farmers in Niger and Oyo States to produce high-quality rice seeds and meet growing consumption needs.
In a statement, the NCRI revealed that the capacity-building initiative was implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC). Under this partnership, a ‘Community Rice Seed Production Project’ was launched to boost rice seed production in both states.
The project aims to strengthen the local rice seed system by selecting 40 lead farmers—20 from each state—who will champion high-quality seed production within their communities.
To equip these farmers with essential skills, an intensive training programme was conducted, covering best agronomic practices, seed certification, and the seed registration process.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Usman Aliyu, Director and Head of the Agricultural Engineering Department at NCRI Badeggi, who also serves as the Project Coordinator, stated that the project is designed to enhance seed quality and improve farmers’ productivity.
Aliyu further explained that the initiative would provide farmers with both technical expertise and essential inputs to sustain high-quality rice seed production across Nigeria.
To support the trained farmers, they received starter packs containing fertilizers, agrochemicals, and high-yielding Faro 44 rice seeds to commence their production.
The Executive Director of NCRI Badeggi, Dr. Mohammed Ndagi Ishaq, reiterated the institute’s commitment to advancing research and innovation that directly benefits farmers.
Ishaq also highlighted that initiatives like this align with NCRI’s mission to promote sustainable and demand-driven agricultural practices while contributing to national food security.
Through this effort, NCRI Badeggi and its partners continue to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector by ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality seeds, improved farming techniques, and vital resources for enhanced productivity.
