Gov. Kefas Launches Taraba Seed Production Limited to Curb Farm Losses, Boost Food Security

Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, has launched Taraba Seed Production Limited, a state-backed agricultural company established to produce and supply certified, high-yield and climate-resilient seeds to farmers across the state, in a move aimed at reversing years of declining farm productivity.

 

The project was officially launched on Wednesday in Lau Local Government Area, an agrarian community expected to play a central role in the state's emerging seed production and distribution chain.

 

Speaking at the event, Governor Kefas said the initiative was designed to address a major cause of crop failure in Taraba State — the widespread use of grains as seeds by farmers, which often results in poor germination, vulnerability to pests and diseases, and reduced yields.

 

He said Taraba Seed Production Limited aligns with his administration's commitment to strengthening food security and improving the livelihoods of farmers through sustainable, long-term interventions.

 

The governor also announced plans to construct the road linking Lau, describing it as critical to opening up the area for economic activities, easing the movement of agricultural inputs and facilitating the distribution of seeds and farm produce.

 

Governor Kefas urged residents of host communities to protect the project and participate actively in its operations to ensure sustainability. He further encouraged them to register in the ongoing APC e-registration exercise, noting that proper registration would enhance access to government programmes and development initiatives.

 

He charged the company managing the project to carry host communities along in its operations, particularly through employment opportunities and outgrower arrangements.

 

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Nicholas Nemesan, said Taraba Seed Production Limited would go beyond seed production to support broader agricultural development in the state.

 

According to him, the company is mandated to handle the multiplication, processing and distribution of improved seed varieties while strengthening linkages between farmers, research institutions and the government.

 

Representatives of the company explained that priority would be given to improved rice seed varieties, alongside other crops, to address persistent yield losses recorded by farmers.

 

Reacting to the launch, the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Taraba State chapter, commended the state government for the initiative, describing it as a major intervention in addressing farmers' long-standing challenges.

 

The association said many farmers in Taraba have been losing investments annually due to the use of non-viable seeds that are vulnerable to pests and diseases, leading to reduced yields.

 

RIFAN expressed confidence that the availability of certified, improved seeds would reposition Taraba as a leading rice-producing state and pledged to serve as outgrowers to support large-scale seed production.

 

The association, however, appealed to the state government to also address challenges related to other farm inputs such as fertiliser, herbicides, pesticides and fuel for dry-season farming.

 

The project is supported by seed development experts, including Dr Dleep Kumar, credited with several improved rice varieties, while the Chairman of Lau Local Government Area, Hon. Julius Peter Vau, commended Governor Kefas for what he described as practical developmental efforts in the area.

 

The launch of Taraba Seed Production Limited marks a strategic step by the Taraba State Government toward improving agricultural productivity, reducing farm losses and strengthening food security across the state.