Here at AyosifamHub, our mission is to empower smallholder farmers in Nigeria with practical, sustainable, and profitable agricultural advice. We’re constantly researching and evaluating different crops, techniques, and inputs to bring you the best information possible. You might have noticed that while we’ve covered a wide range of topics, we haven’t extensively recommended the purchase of certified cassava and potato seeds on our blog. Today, we want to explain why, while also highlighting their undeniable importance.
Our primary focus is on ensuring that our recommendations are genuinely beneficial and accessible to the majority of smallholder farmers we serve. When it comes to certified cassava and potato seeds, two significant concerns weigh heavily on our minds: cost and accessibility.
The High Cost Hurdle
We understand the incredible effort and dedication that goes into farming. Smallholder farmers pour their heart and soul into their land, often working tirelessly with minimal returns. Introducing high-cost inputs, even if they promise better yields, can be a significant financial burden.
Currently, certified cassava and potato seeds can be quite expensive, especially when compared to traditional methods of propagation (like using stem cuttings from existing plants for cassava or saving tubers for potatoes). For farmers who are already struggling to break even and secure a fair return for their hard labor, investing a substantial amount in seeds upfront can be a prohibitive barrier. We believe that for many, this initial investment might outweigh the potential benefits, making it a risky proposition rather than a sure path to prosperity.
The Accessibility Challenge
Another critical factor is the limited availability of these certified seeds across Nigeria. Unlike common grains or vegetables where seeds are relatively easy to find in most major markets, specialized cassava and potato seed sellers are not yet ubiquitous.
This means that even if a farmer were willing and able to afford the seeds, sourcing them could be a logistical nightmare. Traveling long distances, navigating unreliable supply chains, and facing potential stock shortages all add to the burden and cost for our farmers. Our recommendations need to be practical and implementable, and if the inputs aren’t readily available, then the advice, however well-intentioned, becomes less useful.
The Undeniable Importance of Certified Cassava and Potato Seeds
While we’ve highlighted the current challenges, it’s crucial to acknowledge the immense benefits that improved and certified planting materials for cassava and potato bring to the table. These are the “why” behind their development and continued promotion by agricultural research institutions:
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Higher Yields: This is perhaps the most significant advantage. Certified seeds are bred for increased productivity, meaning farmers can harvest significantly more tubers or roots per hectare compared to using traditional, uncertified planting materials. For cassava, improved varieties can yield over 30 tons per hectare, compared to less than 10 tons from local varieties. For potatoes, using quality seed potatoes is the most important strategy for high yields.
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Disease Resistance: One of the biggest threats to crop production is disease. Certified seeds are often specifically bred or tested to be resistant or tolerant to common diseases like Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), and various potato viruses and bacterial wilt. This drastically reduces crop losses and the need for costly disease management.
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Pest Tolerance: Beyond diseases, improved varieties can also offer better tolerance to common pests, further safeguarding yields and reducing the reliance on pesticides.
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Improved Quality and Uniformity: Certified seeds produce more uniform crops in terms of size, shape, and quality. This is vital for marketability and processing. For instance, some improved cassava varieties have higher starch content, which is desirable for industrial use. Potato quality can be improved with larger, disease-free seed.
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Adaptability to Local Conditions: Many improved varieties are developed with specific agro-ecological zones in mind, meaning they are better suited to particular soil types, rainfall patterns, and climate conditions, leading to more consistent performance.
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Enhanced Nutritional Value: Some improved varieties, especially in cassava, are bio-fortified to contain higher levels of essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to better nutrition and food security.
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Reduced Risk: By providing a reliable starting point, certified seeds help mitigate the risks associated with planting materials that may be diseased, of poor genetic quality, or simply not true-to-type.
Our Commitment to You
Does our current stance mean we believe certified cassava and potato seeds are without merit? Absolutely not. As you can see, the advantages are compelling. We recognize their potential to transform smallholder farming in Nigeria.
At AyosifamHub, we are continuously monitoring the market, looking for solutions that balance innovation with practicality and affordability. As the agricultural landscape evolves, and if certified seeds become more accessible and economically viable for our smallholder farmers, you can be sure we will be among the first to share that information and guidance with you. We are keen to see a future where the benefits of these improved materials are within reach for every farmer.
In the meantime, we will continue to focus on providing valuable insights into improved cultivation practices, pest and disease management, soil health, and market access strategies that are within reach for every farmer, using readily available resources.
What are your thoughts on this? Have you had experiences with certified cassava or potato seeds? Share your insights in the comments below!
