Governor Agbu Kefas has officially launched Taraba Seeds Limited, a landmark initiative designed to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve food security, and position Taraba State as a leading hub for seed innovation and agribusiness in Nigeria.
The establishment of Taraba Seeds Ltd. represents a significant investment in the agricultural value chain, with a focus on expanding farmers' access to high-quality, certified, and climate-resilient seeds. While headquartered in Taraba State, the company is expected to serve farming communities across the country, supporting national efforts to increase food production and agricultural sustainability.
Speaking during the launch, the Founding Chairman of Taraba Seeds Ltd., Mr. Prasad Karumanchi, explained that the company will concentrate on the multiplication, processing, and distribution of improved seed varieties suited to Nigeria's diverse agro-ecological zones.
He noted that operations will initially focus on strategic crops including rice, maize, cowpea, and sorghum, with the flexibility to expand into additional crop varieties as demand grows and agricultural priorities evolve.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Nicholas Namessan, described the initiative as a major catalyst for economic growth, emphasizing its potential to create employment opportunities, attract agribusiness investments, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers throughout the state.
He added that the company aligns with national objectives to modernize agriculture by bridging the gap between research institutions and farmers, enabling the widespread adoption of improved seed technologies that can significantly increase crop yields and farm productivity.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Taraba Seeds Ltd., Dr. Dileepkumar Guntuku, reaffirmed the company's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of seed quality through close collaboration with research institutions, regulatory agencies, and private sector partners. According to him, these partnerships will ensure the timely production, certification, and distribution of quality seeds ahead of every planting season.
The impact of the initiative is already being demonstrated through early field trials. Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Hon. Tanko Bobbo, revealed that adoption trials conducted using seeds supplied by Taraba Seeds Ltd. produced yields of up to 12 tonnes per hectare, describing the improved varieties as a breakthrough for rice production.
Governor Agbu Kefas described the launch as a defining moment for Taraba State's agricultural sector and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to policies and investments that enhance food security, empower farmers, and stimulate sustainable economic development.
With strong government backing, strategic private sector partnerships, and increasing confidence from the farming community, Taraba Seeds Ltd. is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating Nigeria's agricultural transformation while positioning Taraba State as a centre of excellence for seed production and innovation.