A seed is a sexually produced matured ovule consisting of an intact embryo, endosperm and or cotyledon with protective covering (seed coat). In addition, it is a substance that is used for planting or regeneration purpose which include seedlings, seeds, tuber, bulbs, rhizome, roots, cuttings, setts, slips, all types of grafts and vegetatively propagating materials used for production purpose. Hence, seed is the most vital and important input for crop production. There are 5 important factors to consider about seeds.

• Source: The source of seeds used for crop production to some extent determines crop output. Research has shown that majority of the farmers used seeds from previous harvest or purchase seeds (grains) in the open market and plant without regards to genetic purity; hence their average yields are among the lowest in the world. This accounts for the low level of food production and, consequently, food crisis being experienced in Nigeria. Meanwhile the best sources of seeds for planting are seeds from research institutes and seed companies which are called improved seeds.
• Viability: A seed is said to be viable if it is capable ofgermination under suitable conditions. It is good to know how viable the seeds are before planting that is the reason why it advisable to get seeds from reliable sources especially improved seeds.
• Rate: This simply means the quantity of seeds to be planted in a given area of farmland. Often time farmers use wrong plant spacing which either increase or decrease the population density of the crop on a piece of land. When crops are overcrowded or under crowded, crop output is affected negatively.
• Soil Requirements and Climatic Conditions: All seeds have specific requirements of soil, temperature, water, and humidity conditions in which they can germinate and grow well. Farmers who buy improved seeds from research institute and seed companies will have access to such information which may improve the quality and quantity of crop production.
• Pest and Disease: Pest and diseases are major threats of seeds in crop production. Many a times seeds from previous harvest find it difficult to grow very well in places where there is incidence of pests and diseases while improved seeds from research institutes and seed companies are majorly produced to be pest and disease resistant.
• Other characteristics of seeds: other information about seeds such as maturity time, seed health, colour, taste, amount of output/yield can best be accessed from research institutes and seed companies.

Even though seeds from research institutes and seed companies are best sources of seeds for crop production yet lack of awareness of the importance of improved seeds from these sources coupled with unavailability of seeds when needed by farmers make farmers resort to the use of seeds from previous harvest with resultant low productivity. Therefore, various farmers’ association and cooperatives needs to sensitize their members on the importance of getting their improved seeds from research institutes and seed companies. In addition, government at all levels need to create awareness about advantages of improved seeds which include:

• The economic benefits derived from improved seeds are much higher than the prices paid for the seeds.
• Improved seeds have practical benefits for both small and large-scale farmers.
• Good seeds are needed for a good harvest.
• Improved seeds give higher yields and greater farm incomes.
• Use of improved seeds is a key tool for abundant food production, national food security, and food for all.

REFERENCES 

H.A. Ajeigbe, T. Abdoulaye, and D. Chikoye (2008): Legume and cereal seed production for improved crop yields in Nigeria. Proceedings of the Training Workshop on Production of Legume and Cereal Seeds. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

IITA, Youth Agriprenuers (2014): Quality Seed and Its Importance in Agriculture