‘We’ll sanction marketers selling adulterated seeds to farmers’ – The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) has threatened to sanction any marketer or seed producer found to be selling adulterated products to farmers.
North Central Regional Head of NASC Mr. Maiwaazi Abu, who addressed reporters in Jos, Plateau State, after he led other officials on a visit to seed sale outlets in local governments, said NASC would no longer tolerate the sale of adulterated seeds to farmers, adding that anyone caught would be sanctioned.
He said: “We have learnt that over the years, some seed producers and market outlets do not abide by the rules and regulations laid down by NASC.
“It is our mandate to ensure that seeds sold to farmers are not compromised for the sake of quality and high yield. This is why we have decided to visit these sale outlets to see things.
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“Concerning the places we have visited so far, we were satisfied with what we saw, but the inspection of the market outlets will continue and anyone found wanting will have himself to blame.”
The NASC regional head, who was accompanied by other officials, including Asheazi Christy Angbashim and Dotun Agboade, lamented the extent of destruction that took place at the regional headquarters in Jos during the EndSARS protests.
He said besides vandalising the buildings at the headquarters, over 4,286 bags of 100 kg of wheat seeds meant for distribution to farmers were also looted.
Abu said: “We are concerned about this development because the population is increasing and we need to have available seeds for food production. So, if these seeds are not available, then we can’t be sure of food security in the country.”