By Queen Kunde
The bustling city of Abuja is currently playing host to the 7th edition of the Seed Connect Conference and Exhibition Africa 2024, the largest gathering of seed industry stakeholders on the continent. With its powerful theme—Leveraging Seed Technology to Scale Up Africa’s Agricultural Productivity—this two-day event is drawing experts, farmers, policymakers, and business leaders from across Africa to explore the transformative role of seed technology in addressing the continent’s agricultural challenges.
As the sun rose over the Nigerian capital, thousands of participants from all corners of Africa descended on the International Conference Centre for what has become a significant event in Africa’s agricultural calendar. The conference, which began today, brings together a broad spectrum of agricultural professionals, including seed producers, researchers, agronomists, and government officials. Their shared goal is clear: to explore how innovative seed technologies can unlock Africa’s agricultural potential and tackle the persistent issues of low productivity, food insecurity, and climate change.
Opening Day Highlights
The conference was officially opened by Senator Saliu Mustapha Turaki, The Chairman Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, who addressed the audience with an impassioned speech about the importance of seed innovation for Africa’s agricultural future. “Seeds are the foundation of food production. If we are to meet the growing demand for food on this continent, we must improve the quality of our seeds, and that starts with technology,” Sen. Turaki said.
His message underscored the importance of adopting modern seed technologies as part of the solution to the continent’s agricultural challenges. He pointed to the low adoption rates of high-yielding, drought-resistant seeds as one of the key issues hindering the agricultural growth of many African countries. The legislator emphasized that for Africa to achieve food security and self-sufficiency, it is crucial that governments, farmers, and the private sector collaborate in scaling up the use of improved seed varieties.
Africa’s agricultural sector, which employs over 60% of the continent’s population, has long faced challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns, pests, and soil degradation. To combat these problems, experts agree that access to quality seeds is essential. As the keynote speakers at the event explained, improving seed systems will not only increase crop yields but also help farmers build resilience against the impacts of climate change.
A Platform for Innovation
The Seed Connect Conference is more than just a series of speeches—it’s a dynamic platform for innovation and collaboration. This year’s event features a host of interactive sessions, workshops, and exhibitions that highlight the latest advancements in seed technology. The exhibition area is buzzing with activity, as seed companies, tech innovators, and research institutions display their cutting-edge solutions for enhancing agricultural productivity.
One of the standout displays comes from SeedCo, one of Africa’s leading seed companies, which has unveiled its new hybrid maize varieties designed to withstand drought conditions while providing higher yields. The company’s exhibit also includes advanced seed treatment technologies that promote faster germination and better crop establishment. Visitors to the SeedCo booth have had the opportunity to learn how these innovations can benefit smallholder farmers, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
other key exhibitors are AdasP,PATH-AWAY Yield Increase , Premier Seeds, PROSSIVSA, OFAB Nigeria and many others showcasing their innovations and seed varieties.
The meeting continues Wednesday 27th November 2024 with more experts presentations.
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