IAR Unveils Four New Maize Varieties to Boost Production in Kano

The Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has introduced four new maize varieties to farmers in Kano State as part of efforts to improve productivity and strengthen maize production.

The new varieties were unveiled during a Green Field Day held at Sabuwar Unguwa in Karaye Local Government Area of the state.

The Executive Director of IAR, Prof. Ado Yusuf, represented by the Principal Investigator of the Tela Maize Project, Prof. Rabiu Adamu, said the event was organised to demonstrate the performance of the new maize varieties to farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.

Yusuf said the four varieties had undergone field testing to determine their performance and suitability for cultivation under local farming conditions.

According to him, the varieties were developed to withstand varying climatic conditions and have built-in resistance to insect pests and diseases.

He said the initiative was aimed at providing farmers with improved planting materials that could increase maize yields and contribute to higher agricultural productivity.

“Farmers need improved varieties that can perform under different climatic conditions and withstand the major challenges affecting maize production,” Yusuf said.

The Chairman of the Maize Farmers Association, Kano State Chapter, Amb. Munkaila Garba, welcomed the initiative, saying the introduction of the improved varieties would provide farmers with more options for increasing production.

One of the farmers, Mr Saidu Idris Karaye, whose farm hosted the demonstration, said his about 20 years of experience in maize farming had shown him the benefits of adopting improved varieties.

Karaye encouraged fellow farmers to embrace the Tela maize varieties, saying their adoption could help improve productivity and strengthen maize production across the state.

The unveiling is part of ongoing efforts by agricultural research institutions and stakeholders to promote improved maize technologies and make productive planting materials more accessible to farmers.

LADAN MUHAMMAD NASIDI