The Institute for Agricultural Research, (IAR) of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria says, Nigeria needs an additional 5 million metric tonnes to bridge the deficit in maize production demand in the country.
Professor Rabi’u Adamu, Principal Investigator, Tela Maize Project, under IAR, said this at “Seeing is Believing Farming Field Day,” organized to demonstrate four improved maize varieties to farmers in Karaye Local Government Area of Kano State.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted environmental approval for the evaluation and open cultivation of TELA Maize, a new maize variety genetically modified to tolerate moderate drought and resist the Fall Armyworm and Stem Borer.
This development now places Nigeria one step closer to commercializing biotech maize, and becoming the second African country after South Africa to do so.
MUST READ:Farmers applaud Nigeria’s ban on importation of maize
According to farmers, since the introduction of the varieties, they have witnessed rapid growth and higher yields.
Professor Rabi’u Adamu of IAR, ABU Zaria, said the IAR developed improved maize varieties that are resistant to the Fall Army Worm, to boost production, to meet the demand.
The maize varieties that were demonstrated were planted on September 1, and are now set for harvest in the next three weeks.
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
