President Muhammadu Buhari has re-appointed the Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr Philip Olusegun Ojo, for outstanding performance.

The re-appointment letter, dated May 21, 2019, and signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, said the re-appointment takes effect from Sunday, May 26, 2019.

The agency is mandated to regulate the breeding, production and distribution of agricultural seeds in the country.

Dr Ojo had said at different forums that there are huge challenges to tackle in the seed industry, including adulteration, smuggling and selling of grains as seeds, leading to poor harvests and low returns on crop cultivation investments.

He said with the appointment, his team would work with breeders, seed companies, input dealers and farmers to ensure international good practices in the sector.

Without a viable seed industry, food security and sustainability of farm operations would be a complete failure.