How to be a seed farmer

Understand the seed chain

Many farmers in Nigeria do not understand the importance of quality and improved seeds. Some experts say 60 per cent of good yield is connected to seeds. They argue that the reason why yields in the country remain below global average is because of the quality of seeds/seedlings sown.

While opportunity abounds in this area for good income generation, many do not see seeds production as an aspect of farming.

In this edition, we will attempt to highlight steps you need to take to become a seed farmer.

Nucleus Seed

The Nucleus Seed is a genetically pure seed; without any impurity. Mostly, researchers or research institutes obtain such seeds from a collection “of healthy plants growing in a plot strictly in isolation. All physical observations such as plant size, growth features, colour and shapes of various parts, days taken to mature, etc. are taken into account and recorded. This stage is the most important phase in seed development because any erroneous selection of the nuclear seed plants will adversely affect further generations,” the IASPOINT – GKToday.

Breeder Seeds

These types of seeds are mostly grown at the research institute in Nigeria that has the mandate of such crops. A breeder’s seed comes from Nucleus Seed. A plant breeder is a person or organisation who raises plants primarily for breeding. While Nucleus Seed is genetically pure; the Breeder Seeds are produced by mutual multiplication of selected lines. The seeds from offspring with best and desired quality are selected and certified as Breeder Seeds.

Foundation Seed

Foundation Seeds are the result of what comes out of Breeder Seeds. They are further bred to give rise to Certified Seeds. Production of Foundation Seeds must be acceptable by the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), Sheda, Abuja. The agency certifies an individual or company that produces seeds as Registered Seed Producer (RSP).

Certified Seeds

The seeds which seed companies sell to farmers are basically Certified Seeds. This is the last stage that reaches the farmer. Certified Seed is the progeny of Foundation Seed and must meet the standard of seed certification prescribed by NASC.

Where can farmers get these seeds?

If you want to be a Certified Seed Producer (CSP), you can approach research institutes that have the mandate for such crops. There you will get Foundation Seeds to produce your Certified Seeds for the market.