National Agricultural Seeds Council raids Ibadan outlets for fake seed sellers

 The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) on Monday in Ibadan, urged seed traders to buy grains from reputable and licensed outlets to ensure that farmer plant high quality seeds.

The Deputy Director, Quality Control, NASC, Abuja, Mr Adebayo Agboola gave the advise during the strategic surveillance exercise to rid markets in Ibadan of fake seeds.

The council, which visited some major markets namely, Agbeni, Ogunpa and Moor Plantation, seized various types of adulterated seeds.

Adebayo urged traders to look out for company’s label certification, adding that the packaged materials should also contain the name and address of the seed company.

Speaking on the exercise, he said that the level of compliance in Ibadan metropolis was better compared to what had been witnessed in the past.

According to Adebayo, NASC is serious about enforcing the laws and getting rid of all fake seeds.

“We start from the foundation, the chemicals, labour to the laboratories.

“Our laws are enormous but enforcement is difficult and this is one of the things contributing to the low productivity in Nigeria and Africa in general.

“That is why NASC is out to enforce by actually curbing the activities of people perpetuating fraud in the seed business.

“We are ensuring that we have genuine and quality seeds for Nigerian farmers to give good harvest and returns for a better standard of living,” he said.

Adebayo however advised traders who deal in seeds to stop buying bad seeds.

“NASC will not tolerate the people selling bad and adulterated seeds. In fact, we have zero tolerance for bad seeds.

“If you are caught, your seeds will be seized and if offenders resist, we may charge them to court,” Adebayo said.

One of the offenders, Mr Akinsowo Omosuyi, a seed seller, said that he was not registered with NASC, adding he did not know he was to register with the council.

“I have not heard that we were supposed to register with NASC and I have been in this business for 15 years now. I have bought seeds from them in the past.

“However, I appeal to them to tamper justice with mercy. I will make sure I register with them,” Omosuyi said.