The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), in collaboration with global partners, has launched a two-day training workshop aimed at empowering farmers across Nigeria to produce quality pepper seeds locally.
Held in Ibadan, Oyo State, the workshop features theoretical and practical sessions on pepper seed production, field visits, and participatory pepper selection, drawing participants from all geopolitical zones.
Professor Muhammad Lawal Attanda, NIHORT’s Executive Director, emphasized the significance of quality seed production for sustainable agriculture and food security. “Producing quality pepper seeds ensures higher productivity and contributes significantly to food security in Nigeria,” he stated.
Assistant Research Director, Dr. Christian Anyaoha, highlighted challenges in accessing quality seeds, noting that over 90% of pepper seeds are imported. However, NIHORT, in partnership with the World Vegetable Centre, has developed new pepper varieties set to be released within two months. These varieties aim to empower farmers to produce and manage their seeds locally, reducing reliance on imports.
Dr. Derek Barchenger, a Senior Scientist and Pepper Breeder from the World Vegetable Centre, underscored the importance of the initiative, funded by UKAid, to introduce climate-resilient, disease-resistant pepper varieties and strengthen Nigeria’s seed system.
The workshop is expected to enhance farmers’ skills, promote the use of high-performing pepper seeds, and create a ripple effect of knowledge-sharing among farming communities nationwide.
