The Federal Government of Nigeria, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, successfully launched four drought and pest-resistant maize varieties in collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation and the Institute for Agricultural Research in Abuja. These genetically engineered crops are projected to double the country’s maize production, effectively resist common pests, and substantially increase yields from two to three tonnes per hectare to as high as nine to 10 tonnes. The introduction of these resilient varieties aims to significantly enhance food security, increase farmer income, and drastically reduce the need for pesticide application, thereby ensuring a more sustainable and profitable farming industry.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of IAR, Prof. Ado Yusuf, named the maize varieties as SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T, and SAMMAZ 75T.
Prof. Ado Yusuf expressed that introducing these maize varieties will save Nigerian farmers the cost of production by reducing chemical insecticide sprays by up to N2bn annually. He emphasized that achieving food security in Nigeria would positively impact the entire West African region by addressing the challenges of insecurity.
Furthermore, the National President of AFAN, Ibrahim Kabir, emphasized that the Tela maize varieties would help reduce losses experienced by farmers due to their drought and insect-resistant abilities. He urged farmers across the country to embrace the maize varieties and plant the crop in large quantities to boost maize production.
