Dr. Lava Kumar

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Dr. Lava Kumar is the Head of the Germplasm Health Unit, and Virology and Molecular Diagnostics Unit at IITA. His research programs are focused on (a) protecting germplasm health from pathogens and pests; (b) tackling virus diseases of IITA crops (cassava, yam, banana/plantain, cowpea, soybean, and maize), cacao, and vegetables; (c) developing convenient diagnostic tools for identification of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and phytoplasma), pests and mycotoxins (aflatoxins); and (d) conducting training courses and workshops in plant disease diagnostics and control, and also higher degree training, leading graduate and postgraduate students to M.Sc. or Ph.D. degrees

Hadiza Yaro

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NAME: Hadiza Yaro
SPECIALIZATION: Agronomist and a Rural Developer
WORKING EXPERIENCE:
She is the Business Development Manager. Represent EWS as a contact for distributor(s), develop new markets for EWS, Forecasting collect detail MI as well as genetic material, organize field days, Analyze markets. With – Master in Development Studies (MDS) – Nigeria Defense Academy, Kaduna, -Master in Agronomy (MSc. Agronomy) First Class -Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Bachelor of Agriculture (B. Agric.) Second Class Upper – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Distinction – National Teachers Institute., Certificate Project Management – KIT Royal Tropical Institute (Netherlands).Involved in Rural Development and Value Chain Development. Engage in setting up vegetable farms for sustainable farming with the use of improved seeds, technologies like, mulching, use of nets, pheromones, and drip irrigation installation across Nigeria. Thousands of farmers were trained. Facilitated and have a good understanding on cross cutting issues such as gender, HIV / AIDS and Nutrition. Promotion of women involvement in agribusiness cluster and value chain development. Support to Business Support Services, farmers organizations, traders, processors etc. Involve in project activities and Support to farmers organizations, traders, processors etc. in the elaboration of Business Plans. Collaborated with the several projects (USIAD, UNDP, DFID, IFDC British American Tobacco. Preparation and organization of Workshops and Training Events. Analysis of economic performance of Value Chains, Agribusiness Clusters and Analysis of incoming Business Ideas and agribusiness Cluster Action Plans. Preparation of annual activities, plan budget and preparation of Strategic Plans and Identification of successes, failures, and capitalize experiences. Development of Impact Indicators and Management of the projects. Record Keeping and Back-Up Support Systems. Preparation, publication and dissemination of reports, technical documents, newsletters, brochures, leaflets and working in close relationship with Base of the Pyramid Innovation Centre (BoP)Inc. Netherlands, International Centre for Development Oriented Research (ICRA) Netherlands.

NATIONAL SEED PLANNING WORKSHOP 2016

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The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) in collaboration with CORAF/WECARD and West Africa Seed Program(WASP) is Organizing a National Workshop For Developing a Rapid Action Plan For Quality Seed Production and Presentation of the Alliance for a Seed Industry in West Africa (ASIWA) Nigeria Chapter.

The objective of the workshop include:

  1. To Address immedaite need for quality seed in the country and to develop a plan for the development of the Seed Sector in Nigeria beyond 2016
  2. To Share and Sensitize Stakeholder in the Nigeria Seed Industry on the (ASIWA) Concept for by in

Date: 7th-8th April,2016

Venue: Chelsea Hotel,Abuja,Nigeria

Time: 9;00am Prompt

NASC DESTROYS FAKE AND ADULTERATED SEEDS

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As part of efforts to rid the country of fake and adulterated seeds, the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) has destroyed fake and adulterated seeds confiscated from some seed dealers, nationwide
While performing the burning of the impounded seeds at this years farmers’ field day held at the NASC Technical Headquarters Sheda, Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Arc Sonny T. Echono, said large quantity of seeds that were not properly packaged and with no seed label or certification tags attached or displayed in the open containers were confiscated, adding that the burning was to send warning signal to other fake seed dealers. He said fake and adulterated seed in the country could cost farmers billions of dollars in revenue if not checked.
The Director General, NASC, Dr Philip Olusegun Ojo, in his welcome address at the event said any seed package offered for sale without the blue certification tag of NASC is fake and should not be purchased. He said the Council embarked on enforcement and surveillance activities within the cropping season during which fake and adulterated seed were confiscated in various markets, He urged farmers to buy seed from reputable seed companies and seed dealers, only.