East-West Seed Nigeria has unveiled 40 improved vegetable varieties to boost agricultural exports, increase farmers’ incomes and strengthen food security.
Gideon Oluwasheun Orolakin, the company’s country manager, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the National Field Day in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s plan to convert Plateau State Airport into a cargo airport to facilitate the direct export of agricultural produce, particularly vegetables and potatoes.
Tinubu recently announced the plan during an engagement in Plateau State, saying the proposed cargo airport would open international markets to farmers and stimulate economic growth.
Speaking at the event, Orolakin called for a shift from subsistence farming to profitable, dignified and sustainable agricultural businesses to improve farmers’ livelihoods.
He said the field day showcased about 40 improved vegetable varieties, giving farmers practical opportunities to assess their performance and profitability.
According to him, the varieties were displayed at different stages of production: some were still growing in the field, while others had been harvested and displayed.
He said the demonstration enabled farmers to observe the crops’ performance and appreciate the benefits of adopting improved seed technologies.
Orolakin said participating farmers were expected to serve as ambassadors and informal extension agents by sharing what they had learned with others in their communities.
He described agriculture as the foundation of Nigeria’s economy, noting that farmers played a critical role in ensuring food security, creating employment and sustaining communities.
According to him, agriculture employs more than 70 per cent of Nigerians, making it the country’s largest source of employment.
Prof. Mohammad-Lawal Atanda, director-general of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), commended East-West Seed Nigeria for supporting farmers with quality seeds and practical training in improved cultivation techniques.
Represented by Dr Idris Bala, Atanda said NIHORT was supporting tomato farmers in selected local government areas of Kaduna State with improved seeds and training to combat pest infestations.
He said the initiative was designed to strengthen tomato production and equip farmers with practical skills to control Tuta absoluta, a destructive pest that threatens tomato cultivation.
He identified the benefiting areas as Shika, Giwa, Lere and Ikara, adding that farmers would receive improved tomato seeds and relevant agricultural inputs, as well as training in effective pest management.
Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Bamalli, urged farmers to adopt improved crop varieties and modern farming practices to increase productivity, strengthen food security and improve livelihoods.
Represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa-Bamalli, Madakin Gonar Zazzau, the Emir said farmers remained central to national development, describing them as the backbone of food security, peace and prosperity.
He said the field day gave farmers an opportunity to observe improved vegetable varieties, appropriate planting distances, fertiliser application techniques and effective pest management practices.
Bamalli welcomed the collaboration between the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) and East-West Seed, describing it as an important contribution to agricultural development.
