By Ify Mgbemena
As Nigeria’s agricultural landscape continues to face challenges of low productivity and a growing food demand, innovative solutions are needed to ensure food security and sustainable development.
East-West Seed, a global leader in tropical vegetable seeds, is playing a pivotal role in transforming farming practices across the country.
The company aims to empower Nigerian farmers with access to high-quality seeds and essential farming knowledge, helping them maximize crop yields, improve incomes, and contribute to national food security.
Speaking to AgroNigeria during an exclusive interview, Coen Everts, the West Africa Regional Business Head, East-West Seed, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Nigerian farmers, particularly smallholders, through targeted initiatives.
He explained that access to high-yield seeds and modern farming techniques are crucial to improving productivity in the country. According to Everts, while Nigerian farmers have the potential to produce more, challenges such as poor infrastructure, lack of access to quality inputs, and limited knowledge of modern practices continue to limit their output.
“To tackle these issues, a comprehensive approach is needed,” Everts said. “By providing farmers with the right seeds, educating them on best practices, and offering extension services, we can help boost their productivity and income.” He also pointed to the role of technology, particularly mobile-based advisory services, in bridging the gap between farmers and necessary resources.
Everts highlighted the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders in achieving food security goals in Nigeria.
He believes that for meaningful progress, there must be strong partnerships between the private sector, government, and development organizations. “It’s clear that no single entity can address Nigeria’s food security challenges alone,” he added. “It requires all hands on deck.”
Addressing the role of seed technology, Everts emphasized the need for improved seed varieties that can withstand Nigeria’s diverse climatic conditions.
He pointed out that East-West Seed’s commitment to providing seeds tailored to local conditions, coupled with its knowledge transfer initiatives, is vital to enhancing productivity among farmers.
When asked about the misconceptions surrounding GMOs, Everts clarified that East-West Seed does not work with genetically modified seeds. Instead, the company focuses on conventional plant breeding methods, ensuring that all its products remain natural while still delivering high yields, disease resistance, and early harvest benefits.
For Everts, the key to a resilient and productive agricultural future in Nigeria lies in equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge they need. “By improving access to quality seeds, training farmers in good agricultural practices, and ensuring better market access, we can create a stronger, more sustainable agricultural sector for Nigeria,” he concluded.