The Federal Government, through the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), has begun a two-day training workshop for farmers across the country to enhance their capacity on quality pepper seed production.
The workshop, which started on Monday in Ibadan, features theoretical and practical sessions on pepper seed production, with farmers from various geo-political zones in attendance.
According to Professor Muhammad Lawal Attanda, Executive Director of NIHORT, “Producing quality pepper seed is ensuring sustainable agriculture and when we do that, we can be sure of food security. I want to assure you that NIHORT is committed to excellence at every stage of pepper production.”
Dr. Christian Anyaoha, Assistant Director of Research at NIHORT, highlighted the importance of pepper, saying, “Pepper is very crucial, not just for the nutritional aspect, but it also empowers youths and women mostly in the rural and semi-urban areas in the country.”
He noted that over 90% of Nigeria’s pepper seeds are imported, but scientists at NIHORT and the World Vegetable Centre have developed new varieties to be released soon.
Dr. Derek Barchenger, Senior Scientist and Pepper Breeder at the World Vegetable Centre, emphasized their goal: “We aim to develop and release high-performing, climate-resilient, disease-resistant varieties and strengthen the seed system in Nigeria to ensure farmers get access to the highest quality seeds possible.”
This initiative is supported by UKAid, the government of the United Kingdom.