By Sylvester Thompson

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 to promote agricultural biotechnology and support for rural development.

She 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’s broader initiative to distribute one million banana seedlings to farmers in Niger State under its homestead farming scheme, in partnership with the state government.

She quoted Mustapha as saying that the partnership was a crucial step in addressing farmers’ challenges in accessing quality seedlings and enhancing agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

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

“Our collaboration will help meet the growing demand for high-quality banana seedlings while supporting farmers in their cultivation efforts,” Mustapha was quoted as saying.

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

“Under the agreement, 1H1F will upgrade NBRDA’s tissue culture laboratory, supply consumables, cover operational costs, and provide technical staff.

“NBRDA will offer scientific expertise, laboratory access, quality assurance, and support joint research efforts,’’ Koku said.

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

Koku 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. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Uche Anunne