Governor Agbu Kefas has officially unveiled Taraba Seeds Limited, a company set to revolutionize seed development and distribution across Nigeria, aiming to increase food production and curb the sale of counterfeit seeds.

The launch, which took place in Abuja yesterday, was hailed by Governor Kefas as a transformative step for both Taraba State and the nation.

“With Taraba Seeds Limited, we are creating a foundation for higher crop yields, better livelihoods, and stronger national food security,” he said.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Nicholas Namessan, highlighted that the company will modernize farming practices and provide farmers across Nigeria with access to certified, climate-resilient seeds.

Namessan added that the initiative will also stimulate agribusiness investments, generate employment opportunities, and improve the incomes of smallholder farmers.

The project is designed to bridge the gap between research institutions and farmers, ensuring scientific innovations are translated into practical solutions that increase crop productivity. Taraba Seeds Limited will focus on multiplying, processing, and distributing improved seed varieties suited to Nigeria’s varied agro-ecological zones, with crops like rice, maize, cowpea, and sorghum as primary targets.

Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Tanko Bobbo, noted that trials with Taraba Seeds Limited are expected to yield up to 12 tonnes per hectare.

CEO of Taraba Seeds Limited, Dileepkumar Guntuku, assured Nigerians that the company is committed to quality assurance and collaboration with research institutions, regulatory bodies, and private-sector partners to guarantee certified seeds are available ahead of planting seasons.