Abuja: The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has formalized a partnership with One-Hectare-One Family (1H1F), an initiative focused on grassroots development, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the production of banana seedlings.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Tony Omozuwa, Press Secretary to Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NBRDA, announced that the agreement is a strategic effort to promote agricultural biotechnology and support rural development. The partnership intends to utilize biotechnology to drive sustainable farming, innovation, food security, and empowerment in rural areas across Nigeria.
The collaboration is in line with 1H1F’s initiative to distribute one million banana seedlings to farmers in Niger State as part of its homestead farming scheme, in collaboration with the state government. Prof. Mustapha highlighted the importance of this partnership in addressing the challenges faced by farmers in accessing quality seedlings and improving agricultural productivity in Nigeria. He emphasized the potential of biotechnology to empower communities, promote food sustainability, stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and improve nutrition. The collaboration aims to meet the increasing demand for high-quality banana seedlings and support farmers in their cultivation efforts.
Onyaole Koku, the Chief Operating Officer of 1H1F, stated that the partnership would enable farmers to obtain clean, disease-free planting materials. As part of the agreement, 1H1F is committed to upgrading NBRDA’s tissue culture laboratory, supplying necessary consumables, covering operational costs, and providing technical staff. NBRDA will contribute by offering scientific expertise, laboratory access, quality assurance, and support for joint research initiatives. Additionally, 1H1F has pledged future financial and material support to NBRDA to bolster ongoing research and development efforts in biotechnology.