The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has introduced a comprehensive handbook aimed at guiding seed companies in field operations and the production of high-quality seeds, in a proactive effort to bolster agricultural productivity across Africa,.
This groundbreaking initiative seeks to equip seed producers with the essential knowledge and best practices necessary to optimise seed production processes, ultimately enhancing agricultural yields and bolstering food security on the continent.
Titled Stewardship Handbook for Producers of Foundation and Certified Seeds of PBR Cowpea, the handbook represents a culmination of AATF’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural development through the adoption of innovative technologies and capacity-building initiatives.
Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud unveiled the handbook in Kano during the Annual Project Review and Workshop for the PBR Cowpea Seed Support for Nigeria. He emphasised the handbook’s relevance in addressing the unique challenges faced by seed companies operating in diverse agro-ecological contexts across Africa.
The AATF director of programme development and commercialisation, Dr. Emmanuel Okogbenin highlighted the aims of the AATF PBR Cowpea Seed Support project, stressing its potential to strengthen food and nutrition security in Nigeria. He acknowledged the contributions of various partners, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to the project’s successes.
Lawrence Kent, a representative of BMGF, underscored the importance of improving seed production to achieve the project’s objectives of enhancing farmers’ productivity and livelihoods.
AATF’s stewardship manager, Dr. Francis Onyekachi outlined the primary objectives of the handbook, emphasizing its role in streamlining field operations throughout the seed production cycle. By providing step-by-step guidelines and best practices, seed companies can optimise resource utilisation, minimise production risks and ensure the production of genetically pure and high-performing seeds.
The handbook emphasises the critical importance of adherence to quality assurance protocols and regulatory standards to uphold seed quality and integrity. With a focus on maintaining genetic purity, disease resistance and seed viability, seed producers are empowered to meet the stringent quality requirements of farmers, regulatory agencies and international markets.
