Seed Production Technology

1. Explain the economic justification for establishing seed programs.
2. Describe the historical development and current status of the seed industry in Nigeria.
3. Formulate effective seed programs and understand variety development processes.
4. Apply seed processing techniques to maintain seed quality.
5. Implement seed certification standards and quality control measures.
6. Develop and manage seed marketing and distribution strategies.

13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Development of Seed Programme in Nigeria

   • Unit 1: Economic Justification for a Seed Programme · 2 hours

     Read Unit 1: Understand the economic benefits of establishing a seed program.. Review the role of high-quality seeds in increasing yield and food self-sufficiency.. Consider the impact of seed programs on foreign exchange earnings and employment..

   • Unit 2: History and Status of Seed Industry Development in Nigeria · 2 hours

     Study Unit 2: Trace the historical development of the seed industry in Nigeria.. Examine the roles of government and private organizations in seed program development.. Analyze the challenges faced by seed companies and the need for industry resuscitation..

2. Week 2Module 2: Seed Programme Development

   • Unit 1: Formulation of a Seed Programme · 2 hours

     Study Unit 1: Define a seed program and its objectives.. Differentiate between official, semi-official, and private seed programs.. Outline the steps involved in developing a seed program, including data collection..

3. Week 3Module 2: Seed Programme Development

   • Unit 2: National Seed Programme Formulation Principles · 2 hours

     Study Unit 2: Understand the principles guiding national seed program formulation.. Examine the roles of public and private institutions in meeting seed needs.. Analyze policies on seed trade, pricing, export, and import..

4. Week 4Module 2: Seed Programme Development

   • Unit 3: Variety Development and Release · 2 hours

     Study Unit 3: Learn the procedure for variety development and release.. Understand the problems created by the absence of a national mechanism for crop variety certification.. Review the approved procedure for registration, naming, and release of new crop varieties..

5. Week 5Module 3: Principles and Methods of Seed Production

   • Unit 1: What is Seed? Distinction between Seed and Grain · 2 hours

     Study Unit 1: Define seed and differentiate it from grain.. Understand the components of a seed and their functions.. Compare and contrast scientifically produced seed with grain used as seed..

6. Week 6Module 3: Principles and Methods of Seed Production

   • Unit 2: Seed Germination, Vigor and Dormancy · 2 hours

     Study Unit 2: Define germination, vigor, and dormancy.. Explain the factors affecting germination and vigor.. State the classes of dormancy and describe treatments for breaking dormancy..

7. Week 7Module 3: Principles and Methods of Seed Production

   • Unit 3: Seed Production, Planning and Operation · 2 hours

     Study Unit 3: Understand seed production planning and operation.. Learn about seed demand forecasting and the facilities required for seed production.. Review staffing, training, and seed pricing strategies..

8. Week 8Module 3: Principles and Methods of Seed Production

   • Unit 4: Seed Multiplication Stages · 2 hours

     Study Unit 4: Learn about seed multiplication stages.. Understand the concept of multiplication factor.. Calculate multiplication factor using the formula provided..

9. Week 9Module 3: Principles and Methods of Seed Production

   • Unit 5: Prospects and Problems of Seed Multiplication · 2 hours

     Study Unit 5: Explore the prospects for private sector participation in seed industry development in Nigeria.. Understand the problems of seed multiplication.. Analyze the measures taken by the government to encourage private sector involvement..

10. Week 10Module 3: Principles and Methods of Seed Production

    • Unit 6: Production of Foundation and Certified Seeds · 2 hours

      Study Unit 6: Understand the production of foundation and certified seeds.. Learn about the roles of out-growers in seed multiplication.. Review the criteria for selecting competent out-growers..

11. Week 11Module 3: Principles and Methods of Seed Production

    • Unit 7: Maintenance of Basic Maidens and Breeder Seeds · 2 hours

      Study Unit 7: Learn about the maintenance of basic maidens and breeder seeds.. Understand the techniques necessary for maintaining seed purity.. Review the relevant treatments for maintaining genetic purity..

12. Week 12Module 4: Seed Processing

    • Unit 1: Deterioration of Crop Varieties and its Control · 2 hours

      Study Unit 1: Understand the deterioration of crop varieties and its control.. Learn about the causes of seed deterioration on the field and in storage.. Review strategies to minimize seed deterioration..

    • Unit 2: Seed Drying · 2 hours

      Study Unit 2: Understand the importance of seed drying.. Differentiate between natural and artificial seed drying.. Analyze the advantages of artificial seed drying over natural drying..

13. Week 13Module 4: Seed Processing

    • Unit 3: Seed Packaging Purposes, Types and Cost Implication · 2 hours

      Study Unit 3: Understand the purposes of seed packaging.. Learn about the types of packaging materials and equipment for packaging.. Review the cost implications of seed packaging..