Nigeria, the largest producer of cassava in the world, needs to adopt a new seed system approach to compete globally and keep the price of cassava-based foods stable and affordable in the country, experts have said. However, farmers in Nigeria produce less than 10 tons due to poor performing seeds,” Prof. Sanni said. We are encouraging farmers to adopt new and improved varieties to improve productivity, raise incomes of cassava growers and seed entrepreneurs, enhance gender equity, and contribute to inclusive agricultural transformation,” he added. According to the project’s Advocacy, Promotions and Outreach lead, Dr. Godwin Atser, “Improved varieties are key to changing that narrative of cassava. Adoption of improved varieties will increase cassava productivity, ensure food security, guarantee processors of quality raw materials, and hinder the spread of cassava crop diseases on farms.”Apart from its economic and sustainability elements, Dr Atser said that the BASICS model had a job creation component.

Source: The Guardian February 14, 2022 08:20 UTC