Project Abstract

Abstract
Quality seed production is a critical component of agricultural development, influencing crop yields, quality, and overall farm productivity. In Nigeria, the seed sector faces various challenges that affect the production and distribution of quality seeds to farmers. This study aims to understand the trends of quality seed production in Nigeria by examining factors influencing seed production, quality assurance mechanisms, challenges faced by seed producers, and potential strategies for improvement. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the seed sector, such as seed producers, regulatory bodies, and agricultural extension agents, with quantitative analysis of seed production data. By engaging with stakeholders at different levels of the seed value chain, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of quality seed production in Nigeria. Factors influencing seed production in Nigeria will be explored, including access to improved seed varieties, availability of production inputs, and adoption of best agricultural practices. Quality assurance mechanisms, such as seed certification processes and seed testing facilities, will be examined to assess their effectiveness in ensuring the production of high-quality seeds. Challenges faced by seed producers in Nigeria will also be investigated, including issues related to seed quality control, access to finance, and market linkages. By identifying these challenges, the study aims to propose strategies for improving the quality seed production system in Nigeria, such as capacity building for seed producers, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and enhancing market access for seed producers. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers, seed producers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector to enhance the quality seed production system in Nigeria. By addressing the challenges and constraints faced by seed producers, this study aims to contribute to the overall goal of increasing agricultural productivity and food security in Nigeria. Overall, this research project will contribute to a better understanding of the trends of quality seed production in Nigeria and provide recommendations for sustainable improvements in the seed sector. By promoting the production and distribution of high-quality seeds, this study seeks to support the growth and development of the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

Project Overview

1.1 Background Of Study

Seed constitutes an important input in arable crop production. Without seeds, it would be virtually impossible to develop a stable agricultural system by man (Copeland, L.O, 2000). Poetically posits that “desolate indeed would be our world without seeds and without men’s propensity to culture them.” Thus, even if all other factors of production are available, meaningful crop production may be virtually impossible without viable seeds. And hence, seed has the most profound influence on crop yield because it is the carrier of genetic potential of crop plants, while other inputs simply build favorable environment for the manifestation of the genetic potential of the crop. Producing enough seed is one of the most diffi cult problems facing many countries.

According to Douglas, J.E, (2000) strongly asserts that a country’s seed programme takes a giant step towards success if it is able to fi nd answers to certain questions and establish clear policies on the seed industry. These questions are: should seeds be produced locally or imported? Who should produce the seed? How can a seed enterprise be started and who is involved in its management? Can foreign seed firms help get a commercial seed industry started? And what is actually involved in getting a seed industry started? In Nigeria, seed production for major crops is primarily a government undertaking. Private sector’s participation is limited to the commercial production of certified seeds of grains. In the public sector, the most important organizations responsible for the production and distribution of certified seeds are the National Seed Service (NSS) and the Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs). These organizations no longer undertake direct production of seeds but rely on the contract growers especially small farmers. The attainment of self-sufficiency in the production of basic staple food as well as agro-industrial raw materials depend mainly on the availability and widespread use of high quality, improved planting materials and other complementary inputs such as fertilizers and plant protection chemicals.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

In Nigeria, various agricultural research institutes, through their breeding and crop adaptation programmes have made considerable studies over the years. For many of the most important food as well as industrial crops, improved varieties have been introduced (Shaib, B, 2007). The problem has been lack of effective, well co-coordinated seed multiplication and seed policy which would make it possible for improved seeds to replace the traditional, usually, retained by the farmers, and low yielding species grown by the farmers (Joshua, A., 2006). He further observed that the current production of improved seeds for different crops by public sector agencies in Nigeria is just about 8-12 percent of the total seed requirement

1.3 Aim And Objectives Of Study

The main aim of the paper is examine the trends of quality of seed production in Nigeria. Other specific objectives of the paper are:

1. to compare the difference in quality of seed production in Nigeria from previous to present year

2. to investigate on the factors affecting the quality of seed production

3. to determine the effect of coordinated seed multiplication and seed policy on seed production in Nigeria

4. to examine whether location have effect on seed production in Nigeria

5. to determine ways to enhance quality seed production

1.4 Research Questions

The paper came up with research questions so as to ascertain the above objectives. The research questions for the study are:

1. What is the difference in quality of seed production in Nigeria from previous years to present year?

2. What is the effect of coordinated seed multiplication and seed policy on seed production in Nigeria?

3. What are the factors affecting the quality of seed production?

4. Does location have effect on seed production in Nigeria?

5. What are the ways to enhance quality seed production?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H0: there is no significant difference in quality of seed production in Nigeria from previous years to present year

H1: there is significant difference in quality of seed production in Nigeria from previous years to present year

1.6 Significance Of Study

The study on the trends of quality of seed production in Nigeria will be of immense benefit to the agricultural sector of Nigeria in the sense that the study will assess the seed production and also determine the effects of factors like location, nature of the soil and farm size on seed production in Nigeria. The study will serve as a repository of information to other researchers that desire a carry out similar studies on the above topics as the findings of the study will contribute to the body of the existing literature on seed production in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope Of Study

The study on the trends of quality of seed production in Nigeria will cover on data from certified seed production by formal seed producers using records of FMA on seed production, NASC records and GIS from 2010-2016