Maize farmers in Plateau State have lauded Seedco for its quick intervention in providing hybrid seedlings that will enhance and boost productivity in maize in Mangu Local Government Area of the state and environs.
A cross section of maize farmers in the state expressed their joy during the Seedco farmer field day in Mangu, where they appealed for government intervention in providing high yield seedlings as the only way to save farmers form the low productivity being experience in the state agricultural sector.
A farmer, Mrs Abigail James, who expressed disgust over the lack of hybrid seedlings, however, urged government at all levels to make seedlings available in subsidised and controlled price, stressing that government intervention would be required to enhance productivity and high yield.
Speaking to The Nation, Managing Director of Seedco, Mr. Kolade Dada, said they believe strongly in what they serve and that is why they are showcasing it to the farmers to be able to decide for themselves.
Dada revealed that Seedco International is a Pan African company with a Nigerian flavour!
According to him: “Most companies can sell the market hybrids and still not be able to deliver the right result.
He said the aim of the company is to raise productivity of farmers and ensure plentiful harvest and profits for farmers.
“So, for us in Seedco, we have several varieties of hybrids and our flagship is 719. 719 has been around for more than five years now and we keep showing the farmers, so that they can see and be able to adopt it.”
Dada also spoke about products like 419, which the company will be introducing next year, “which is a healing maturing product, growth tolerant and climate smart, so that even when farmers plant and there are drought tissues, they can be able to get reasonable yield from it.”
Dada who said the company’s story working with farmers in Plateau has been interesting also spoke about product 651, which he said can deliver six to eight metric tons and 501 which is a pure vitamin A product.