The Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in Kaduna State says the new Maruca Insect Resistant variety of cowpeas developed by its Institute of Agricultural Research will save farmers from the loss of their produce to insect pests.
The Director of the Institute, Professor Mohammad Ishiyaku, who was at the demonstration plot of the improved cowpea variety popularly known as beans in Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State, said that the new Maruca Resistance is environmentally friendly. He is confident that with it, farmers can now smile to the market with a bountiful harvest.
The Director represented by the Assistant Director of the Institute, Professor Aisha Abubakar, also highlighted other benefits the farmers and consumers stand to gain.
These include a reduction in the number of sprays the farmers are used to on the cowpea and a reduction in the application of chemicals that may be harmful to the environment.
She, therefore, called on farmers to embrace the new cowpea variety. Some of the farmers said with the new Maruca Resistant Variety, the cost of production has been reduced, as they now have a bountiful harvest from their farms.
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Ait.live gathered that the research to address the deadly Maruca Vitrata attacks on cowpea started in 2009.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
