By Bitrus Osagie
The Gombe State government has commended the Feed-the-Future Nigeria Integrated Agriculture Activity (NIAA) USAID-funded intervention in seed system development being implemented in the state by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
Mr.Manassah Jatau, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State gave the commendation in Gombe while delivering his speech during the Presentation of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) certificates to Community-Based Seed Entrepreneur (CBSE) Cooperatives in the state.
Jatau explained that the intervention was assisting farmers to boost food availability while increasing their income, which he said was in line with the Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State’s agenda to revolutionise the agriculture sector.
Represented by Dr. Isiaku Babayo, the Special Assistant to Gov Yahaya on Donor, Development and Partners Coordination, the Deputy Governor said the support would help improve agricultural activities in the state since it was concerned with seed production and marketing.
According to him, seeds are the great determinants of harvest and adaptability to climate change being experienced, added that since the Northeast as well as the country was being threatened by food shortage in view of the impact of insurgency in the region.
“We are happy that the USAID and IITA came with their support.
This will subsequently promote agricultural development and food security in Gombe State and the country.
“The government and people of Gombe State are happy that you (USAID, IITA and the National Agricultural Seeds Council NASC) have certified these Cooperatives to produce and market certified seeds.
“This is being done in order to develop sustainable seed system in Northeast to promote agricultural development and food security; this is highly commendable,” he said.
