August 2024 Update: Key Developments in Nigeria's Seed Industry by SEEDAN

Arnab Gupta
Aug 27, 2024
3 min read

The Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN) remains dedicated to advancing the seed sector by collaborating with key stakeholders and implementing strategic initiatives. As the agricultural season progresses, SEEDAN has been actively involved in various projects to enhance seed distribution and governance. Here’s a summary of the latest updates from SEEDAN for August 2024.

1. Updates on the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agricultural Productivity Program (NAGS-AP)

This month, SEEDAN engaged in productive discussions with the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), the NAGS-AP National Project Coordinator, the National Association of Indigenous Seed Producers (NAIDA), and other relevant agencies to clarify the current status of the NAGS-AP program. These discussions were pivotal in addressing the concerns of SEEDAN members regarding seed distribution and program participation.

Seed Company and Crop Variety Mapping

SEEDAN has received official confirmation from NASC regarding the distribution list for the seed companies involved in the 2024 NAGS-AP wet season program. The approved list includes a total of 2,960.33 metric tons of rice, maize, sorghum, and soybean seeds. These seeds are allocated to different agro-ecological zones based on the crop varieties specified in the seed companies' Expressions of Interest (EoI), and NASC’s quality assurance evaluations.

Despite the efforts to include as many companies as possible, the government's reduction in the number of farmers and the total quantity of seeds and other agro-inputs has led to a lower-than-expected number of participating companies. SEEDAN appeals to members for understanding, especially those not selected for this season, and reassures them that the 2024/2025 dry season program is still planned and is expected to proceed under the auspices of the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS).

2. Approved Seed Packaging and Pricing Details

To streamline operations and maintain consistency, SEEDAN has communicated the approved packaging sizes and pricing for seeds under the NAGS-AP program:

Approved Packaging Sizes:

Rice: 25 kg
Maize: 10 kg
Sorghum: 7.5 kg
Soybean: 20 kg

Pricing per Kilogram:

Rice: N1,700
Maize: N1,700
Sorghum: N1,600
Soybean: N2,000

Participating farmers are required to contribute 25% of the seed cost, with the remaining 75% covered by the Federal Government. This arrangement helps to make high-quality seeds more accessible to farmers while sharing the financial responsibility between the government and the farmers.

3. Delivery and Coordination with Redemption Centers

Under the program, selected seed companies are responsible for delivering seeds to designated redemption centers. This process must be completed promptly to ensure the smooth distribution of seeds to farmers. Agrodealer partners will manage the safe storage of these seeds at each center, and all parties are encouraged to coordinate closely to avoid delays.

To facilitate seamless operations, seed companies and agrodealers are expected to negotiate and finalize agreements regarding seed pricing, factoring in any handling charges or commissions. Detailed documentation, including waybills and store receipt vouchers, must be maintained to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process.

4. Simplified Payment Process

To reduce bureaucracy and streamline operations, the NAGS-AP coordinating office has decided that the program will proceed without formal contracts with the government. Instead, a simplified payment and delivery process has been established:

Agrodealer Coordination: Agrodealers contact seed companies to provide redemption center details.
Agreement and Delivery: Seed companies negotiate terms with agrodealers, deliver seeds, and ensure proper documentation.
Documentation Submission: Complete documents are submitted to NASC for further processing with NAGS-AP/FMAFS.

This process aims to ensure timely payment to seed companies and efficient seed distribution, ultimately benefiting the farmers.

Moving Forward

SEEDAN appreciates the continued support and trust of its members as it navigates the complexities of the seed industry. By working closely with key stakeholders and maintaining a focus on transparency and efficiency, SEEDAN is committed to fostering a robust and resilient seed sector in Nigeria.

For further details or inquiries, please reach out to the SEEDAN Secretariat. Download the file below

Contact Information:

Stephen Adigun OludapoActing Executive SecretarySeed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN)Phone: +234-806-752-3028

Thank you for your dedication to advancing Nigeria's seed industry. Together, we can ensure a prosperous future for our farmers and the nation’s agriculture.