NASC postpones SeedConnect 2020

NATIONAL Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), has postponed the SeedConnect 2020 earlier scheduled to hold in Abuja on the 20th and 21st of April, 2020.

According to a statement signed by the Director General of NASC, Dr Olusegun Ojo, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, “The decision to postpone was taken in the interest of all the thousands of expected participants from Nigeria, other African countries, Europe, Americas, Asia and the Middle East. This is to avoid exposing them to risks associated with the current global epidemic of Coronavirus.

“We are optimistic that the COVID-19 pandemic will be over very soon and the coast will be clear for us to determine the way forward before announcing a new date. We are also aware that the onset of rainy season is earlier this year and farmers would have loved to begin planting early but that their activities would be severely limited and onset of planting in many parts of Nigeria delayed due to the lockdown and restriction of movement.

“While we wait, I urge all stakeholders to constantly look out for notices and updates on the sector, emanating from NASC. I also want to alert our stakeholders in the seed sub-sector to be prepared to move on to the markets as soon as green lights are on and restrictions on movement are lifted.

“We also want to encourage the farming community to be ready to purchase their seeds as soon as possible, and ensure they patronize reputable, registered and NASC-approved seed dealers, as weather forecast and realities show that rainy season will commence early this year. Farming therefore needs to commence without delay.

“I urge you all to use the period of restriction to plan your sales and farming activities and make necessary enquiries prior to the commencement of farming. With the roll out of our electronic system of seed quality authentication, I urge all seed buyers to ensure the quality of the seeds they buy by using the information on the seed packs to ensure they purchase genuine seeds.” The statement read.

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