*Nigeria’s National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency and One-Hectare-One Family, a grassroots initiative, ink a Memorandum of Understanding to boost production of banana seedlings

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with One-Hectare-One Family (1H1F), a grassroots initiative, to boost banana seedlings production.

Mrs. Tony Omozuwa, Press Secretary to Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NBRDA, said the MoU formed part of ongoing efforts at promoting agricultural biotechnology and support for rural development.

Mustapha said the agreement sought to leverage biotechnology to drive sustainable farming, innovation, food security, and rural empowerment across Nigeria.

According to her, the collaboration aligns with 1H1F鈥檚 broader initiative to distribute a million banana seedlings to farmers in Niger State under its homestead farming scheme, in partnership with the state government.

Director-General of NBRDA, reportedly said that the partnership was a crucial step in addressing farmers鈥� challenges in accessing quality seedlings and enhancing agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

鈥淭hrough the application of biotechnology, we aim to empower communities, promote food sustainability, stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and enhance nutrition.

鈥淥ur collaboration will help meet the growing demand for high-quality banana seedlings while supporting farmers in their cultivation efforts.”

Onyaole Koku, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of 1H1F, said the collaboration would enable farmers to access clean, disease-free planting materials.

Kolu said: 鈥淯nder the agreement, 1H1F will upgrade NBRDA鈥檚 tissue culture laboratory, supply consumables, cover operational costs, and provide technical staff.

鈥淣BRDA will offer scientific expertise, laboratory access, quality assurance, and support joint research efforts.”

Furthermore, she said, 1H1F pledged future financial and material support to NBRDA to strengthen ongoing research and development in biotechnology.

The COO said that both organisations were committed to maintaining best practices in tissue culture propagation, adhering to scientific protocols, and high standards of quality control throughout the production process, report added.