The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), in collaboration with the Federal Government, the Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN), the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), and other stakeholders, has launched a Nigerian start-up company dedicated to the production of foundation seed solutions for farmers and seed companies in Nigeria and the West African region.
The company, 'ECOBasic Seed,' aims to increase the productivity and profitability of seed companies and farmers by bridging the gap in foundation seeds.
Brighton Karume, Managing Director of ECOBasic Seed Company, assured attendees at the opening ceremony in Abuja that the company would maintain the highest levels of confidentiality in all aspects of its operations.
Karume went on to say that the company will catalyze the adoption of hybrid maize technology in Nigeria.
He explained that the company will provide genetically pure foundation seed so that the hybrids' genetic potential can be realized, while also noting that
ECOBasic will concentrate in Nigeria, while in the long run, it would target the greater Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Region.
“It will target indigenous and international seed companies that produce certified hybrid seed. It will investigate a variety of opportunities to leverage its brand, increase its impact, customer-centric growth, and generate additional revenue in the medium to long term."
He did, however, mention that the ECOBasic Seed Company would expand its product portfolio to include additional staple grain crops such as rice, cowpea, soybean, and sorghum, as well as enter new West African markets.
"We will produce high-quality foundation seed while also ensuring that our operations are efficient, effective, and always exceed our customers' expectations," he added.
In his remarks, AATF Executive Director Dr. Kanangire Canisius stated that the ECOBasic seed company, with its operational headquarters in Kaduna, will be the second AATF-supported company to be established.
According to Canisius, the firm is coming to address a critical need in seed sales and distribution in the region.
On the origins of the firm and why it was founded He stated that the ECOBasic Seeds Company Limited was formed as a result of a series of contacts with important players in Nigeria's seed industry, which indicated the need for targeted intervention in the production and marketing of Foundation Seed in the nation.
In an interview with the media, Kabiru Fara, president of the Nigerian Agro Inputs Dealers Association of Nigeria (NAIDA), stated that the firm will solve foundation seed supply issues.
He stated that the seed corporation will handle the issue of foundation seed supply so that seed manufacturers will have enough to provide to farmers.
"By the time we deal with the Nigerian issue, we'll be in West Africa." This will help with food security since we will provide farmers with more resources.
Professor Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), inaugurated the corporation on behalf of Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
"By the time we deal with the Nigerian issue, we'll be in West Africa." This will help with food security since we will provide farmers with more resources.
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