SAA Unveils New Crop Innovation Packages to Strengthen Nigeria’s Agricultural Productivity
Initiative targets improved cassava, potato and rice production through stronger institutions, research and technology transfer
Abuja – November 5, 2026
The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has introduced new agricultural innovation packages for cassava, potato and rice production, in a move aimed at improving farming efficiency, strengthening extension delivery and expanding the adoption of modern agricultural technologies across Nigeria.
The initiative was unveiled by the Country Director of SAA Nigeria, Dr Godwin Atser, at the closing workshop of the two-year Strengthening Institutional Framework for Transformative Agricultural Systems in Nigeria (SIFTAS) project in Abuja.
Implemented by SAA with funding support from German Cooperation through GIZ, the project focused on building institutional capacity, improving collaboration among agricultural stakeholders and creating an enabling environment for the effective deployment of innovative farming solutions.
Speaking at the event, Atser emphasised that agricultural transformation requires more than the introduction of improved technologies, stressing that strong institutions, supportive policies and adequately trained professionals are equally important for achieving sustainable productivity gains.
He identified effective partnerships among government agencies, research institutions, universities, development organisations and private sector players as essential to developing a competitive, resilient and commercially viable agricultural sector.
According to him, the SIFTAS project provided opportunities to assess institutional weaknesses, facilitate knowledge sharing and establish practical mechanisms for mainstreaming agricultural innovations into academic curricula and extension service delivery.
Atser also acknowledged the contributions of participating universities and agricultural institutions, particularly their willingness to incorporate the newly developed innovation packages into their training and operational programmes. He urged them to sustain the momentum and ensure that the project’s achievements continue beyond its funding cycle.
He further called on the beneficiary institutions to take ownership of the outcomes by providing budgetary support for relevant activities, strengthening existing partnerships and integrating the project’s interventions into their long-term development plans.
The introduction of the innovation packages is expected to contribute to improved production systems for three important food crops, while supporting Nigeria’s broader objectives of strengthening food security, increasing agricultural competitiveness and expanding opportunities across the agribusiness value chain.
For investors and agribusiness operators, the initiative underscores the importance of institutional capacity, agricultural research and technology adoption in unlocking the commercial potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Sustained investment in these areas could improve production efficiency, strengthen local supply chains and create new opportunities in agro-processing, distribution and agricultural services.
Edited by Rosemary Aiyenale
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
