The experts rely on funding for agricultural research to ensure food security.

Scholars in the agricultural field have underscored the necessity for governmental entities to augment their investments in agricultural research institutes and seed development in order to attain food security within the nation.

According to their assessment, the government's prior expenditures in the agricultural sector have not achieved significant outcomes due to a predominant focus on fertilizer and other farm inputs, without sufficient attempts to provide support to research institutes. This lack of attention on enhancing the production of improved varieties to augment farm yield has been identified as a contributing factor.

During a recent press briefing in Abuja, Yusuf, the National President of the Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN), emphasized the importance of supporting research institutes in developing enhanced crop varieties that may provide higher production. This requirement arises from the concurrent decrease in available farmlands and the continuous growth of the population.

The individual expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of government support for the seed sector, contrasting it with the assistance provided to fertilizer and milling industries. We are presenting a persuasive argument to politicians, emphasizing the importance of providing assistance for seed initiatives. Without such support, our efforts to enhance agricultural productivity in Nigeria would be rendered futile.

According to his statement, there have been instances of insufficient seed production over time due to inadequate government support for research institutes. Consequently, this has led to diminished productivity levels and hindered the ability to export agricultural output.

Zambia and Botswana are significant exporters of maize, although Nigeria continues to rely on imports. Despite having a population of over 220 million, Nigeria possesses the potential to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Moreover, the agricultural sector holds the capacity to stimulate economic growth, provided that it receives adequate attention and intervention. The issue that has persisted over the years is to the insufficiency of high-quality seeds.

Policy consistency in funding research institutes is essential due to the potential for developing high-quality seeds through research.

The individual expressed that the multiplication of seed types by research organizations can have a significant impact on the production and sale of agricultural products if the quality of the seeds is damaged.

Kibiya emphasized several issues pertaining to seed production, like substandard quality control, insufficient research funding, limited capacity of seed corporations in ensuring production, inspection, processing, and adherence to standards. Additional components that can be considered are marketing initiatives, extension services, and the provision of financial resources to support research institutes.

In addition, he enumerated other issues confronting the agricultural industry, which encompass inadequate infrastructure, inactive research institutions, insufficient farmer education impeding the adoption of contemporary farming techniques, inadequate storage facilities, unfavorable harvest conditions, and inconsistent governmental policies.

In order to address the difficulties at hand, the President of SEEDAN emphasized the importance of farmer training facilitated by extension services to enhance their skills. Additionally, it was highlighted that there is a requirement to equip farmers with contemporary agricultural machinery and equipment.

The individual emphasized the necessity of enhancing research institutes through upgrades, funding, and oversight. They said that the government should provide incentives for young individuals to engage in agriculture, while also emphasizing the need for improved distribution of seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers to farmers.

Furthermore, he espoused the necessity for agricultural output to be supported by sufficient financial resources, with the provision of accessible lending facilities at a favorable interest rate and with reduced bureaucratic hurdles. He emphasized the importance of the government's role in limiting food imports.

Kibiya emphasized the importance of implementing alternate farming systems in addition to the conventional rainfall-dependent approach, including investing in enhanced irrigation infrastructure.