By Agrobroadcast Team
Taraba State has taken a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural backbone with the inauguration of Taraba Seeds Limited, a new enterprise designed to expand access to improved and climate-resilient seed varieties nationwide.
Governor Agbu Kefas, who presided over the unveiling ceremony, described the initiative as a deliberate intervention to enhance productivity across the agricultural value chain.
He said the establishment of the company underscores his administration’s commitment to improving farmers’ access to certified, high-performing seeds capable of delivering stronger yields under varying climatic conditions.
According to the governor, Taraba Seeds Ltd. is structured to serve both local farmers and producers across the country, positioning the state as a hub for agricultural innovation and seed development.
He noted that the company represents a foundational shift toward building a more resilient food system.
“With this development, Taraba is placing itself at the centre of Nigeria’s agricultural renewal by driving a seed revolution that will translate into better harvests, improved incomes and strengthened national food security,” Kefas stated.
Providing details on the company’s operational focus, the founding chairman, Mr. Prasad Karumanchi, explained that Taraba Seeds Ltd. will concentrate on seed multiplication, processing and distribution of improved varieties suited to Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones.
Initial production, he said, will prioritise staple crops including rice, maize, cowpea and sorghum, with scope for expansion as demand grows.
The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Nicholas Namessan, highlighted the broader economic implications of the project, noting that it is expected to stimulate agribusiness investments and create employment opportunities across the seed production and distribution chain.
He added that the initiative would enhance the earning capacity of smallholder farmers by equipping them with higher-yielding varieties.
Agricultural stakeholders have described the company as a timely intervention that aligns with ongoing national efforts to modernise farming practices and boost domestic food output.
By fostering collaboration between research institutions and farmers, the firm aims to accelerate the commercial adoption of improved seed technologies and ensure that scientific breakthroughs translate into measurable gains on farms.
Chief Executive Officer of Taraba Seeds Ltd., Dr. Dileepkumar Guntuku, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strict quality control and regulatory compliance.
He said partnerships with research bodies, certification agencies and private sector actors would be central to guaranteeing seed integrity and timely availability ahead of major planting seasons.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Hon. Tanko Bobbo, cited early field results from adoption trials using the company’s rice seeds.
According to him, participating farmers recorded yields of up to 12 tonnes per hectare. “The performance has been remarkable,” he said, underscoring the productivity potential of the improved varieties.
Industry observers believe that if effectively implemented, the initiative could significantly narrow the gap between research innovation and farm-level productivity, strengthening Nigeria’s quest for sustainable food security.