More than 400 yam farmers from across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State have been trained as Commercial Seed Entrepreneurs (CSEs). They received intensive, hands-on training in innovative seed yam production techniques through the Program for Seed System Innovation for Vegetatively Propagated Crops in Africa (PROSSIVA), a collaborative initiative led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
The two-day workshop in Ibadan was part of the Vegetatively Propagated Crops in Africa project, aimed at boosting food security, reducing poverty, and improving smallholder farmers’ access to quality seed yams and sustainable farming practices.
Project lead, Professor Morufat Balogun of the University of Ibadan, said the initiative was designed to deepen cooperation among agricultural stakeholders and provide farmers with reliable planting materials.
She urged governments at all levels to support farmers with affordable loans and critical inputs to strengthen agribusiness and reduce hunger.
Also speaking, Dr. Beatrice Aighewi, a Seed System Specialist at IITA Abuja, explained that the “Leaf Bud Cutting” technique was not genetically modified, stressing that farmers must use certified seeds from NASC while managing pests, diseases, and quality control for improved harvests.
Representing NASC, Mr. Segun Ibitoye encouraged farmers to register with the council to access official support, wider markets, and digital tools such as Seed Tracker for monitoring seed quality.
He directed farmers to visit the official website or call the council’s official lines for registration.
Chairman of the Oyo State Seed Council, Professor Samuel Olakojo, highlighted the importance of knowledge-driven farming and collective associations to maximize government interventions.
Similarly, Sahel Consulting’s Mr. Paschal Adikaibe said commercial seed entrepreneurship offers enormous opportunities, noting that yam demand currently outweighs supply.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association (South West), Mr. Abass Adekunle, confirmed that the training would empower farmers to expand investment in seed yam production.
Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, represented by Dr. Funmilola Ilori, assured participants of the state government’s commitment to building a vibrant agricultural ecosystem.
Likewise, OYSADA Director General, Dr. Adebowale Akande, represented by Dr. Kola Badmos, said Oyo had developed a national model for mechanized farming to meet rising food demand.
The workshop also featured focus group discussions, exhibitions, and knowledge-sharing sessions coordinated by agricultural experts including Dr. Idris Badiru, Dr. Muhammad Adeshina, and IITA’s West Africa Director, Professor Michael Abberton.
Reporting by Sherifdeen Nashirdeen.