Nigeria's agricultural sector continues to struggle with low yields per hectare, a problem exacerbated by the lack of access to quality seeds and high input costs. At a recent conference in Lagos, stakeholders pointed out that inadequate access to quality seeds and high input costs are major factors limiting farmers from increasing yields and food production. The country's yield per hectare is persistently low compared to its African peers, with experts attributing this to the poor quality of seeds available to farmers.
Experts note that Nigerian farmers often opt for preserved seeds from harvest over market options to cut production costs. However, the viability of these grains declines over time, leading to a decline in productivity. The country's fertiliser usage is also below the global average, despite being a major producer of Urea, a nitrogen-based fertiliser.
According to experts, most farmers are only interested in procuring fertiliser and either forgo other inputs or apply them in smaller quantities due to high costs. This has resulted in huge demand-supply gaps in most key staples, with the country's average yield per hectare for grains and cereals remaining low compared to its African peers.
The Lagos State government's acknowledgement of the impact of low-quality seeds on farmers' yields is a welcome development. Governor Sanwo-Olu's statement that "if the seed is poor, the harvest will be poor" highlights the critical role that quality seeds play in boosting agricultural productivity. However, the reality is that many Nigerian farmers lack access to these quality seeds due to high costs and inadequate supply. This has severe implications for food security and the livelihoods of rural communities. The government must take concrete steps to address this issue, including investing in seed production and distribution, and providing support to smallholder farmers to access quality inputs.
