Agrochemicals company seeks collaboration with IITA

18 March 2024

On 5 March, a team from Lionseal Industries Ltd visited IITA Kano station to seek partnership and introduce their new agrochemicals and allied products. This is to expand the already growing market demand for their agrochemical and allied products in Nigeria.

The purpose of the visit was to propose a collaboration with IITA on intervention programs targeting smallholder farmers through strategic distribution and application of their agrochemical products. According to the team leader, smallholder farmers face several challenges in crop production, including pest and disease management, soil fertility enhancement, and crop protection. Therefore, a partnership with IITA will help farmers access good information on the use of agrochemicals for pests and disease management on their crops to increase yield, said Karthikeyan, Business and Agri-inputs Head of Lionseal.

During the interactive session, Karthikeyan mentioned that they need support from IITA to be recognized by other institutions and most smallholder farmers across Nigeria. He added that their commitment to excellence and innovation aligns seamlessly with IITA's mission to improve agricultural productivity, enhance nutrition, and promote sustainable development in tropical regions.

IITA Kano Station Head Alpha Kamara welcomed the team, stating that IITA has been partnering with other chemical companies such as OLAM, INDORAMA, and Jubaili, and would be happy to have Lionseal onboard as long as they will remain reliable and consistent.

Kamara also noted that insects such as Fall armyworm (FAW), Maruka, and Pod-sucking buds affect crops like maize, sorghum, cowpea, millet, and even rice. He advised that their product should be very effective so that IITA can help them promote it and want it to be market-driven. "Consistency is key," Kamara added. He encouraged the team to develop post-emergence herbicides for weed control in legumes.

Seed Systems Specialist Lucky Omoigui also expressed excitement about the Lionseal team, emphasizing selective post-emergence herbicide for weed control in legumes and effective insecticide for control of maruca and pod-sucking burgs in cowpeas. Omoigui emphasized that the company should uphold integrity so clients can have confidence in their products and not market adulterated ones.

Omoigui also stated that there is a surge in cowpea cultivation in Nigeria, and farmers are looking for good chemicals to buy at the most value for their money. Nigeria has a huge agrochemical market for crop protection, and farmers need quality, availability, and affordability. He concluded that IITA will promote the Lionseal products if they are good and have the desired active ingredients for the type of insect they control.

Contributed by Sarah Sallau

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