The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s seed system as it participated in the IMAGE Varietal Monitoring Progress Briefing held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The meeting, convened by the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), brought together major stakeholders in the seed and crop improvement sector to review ongoing efforts to institutionalise the monitoring of crop variety adoption using advanced genotyping technologies.
Representing the Institute were its Executive Director, Prof. Ado Yusuf, and two of its leading cowpea breeders, Prof. M. L. Umar and Dr. Wajiha Muazu. Their presence highlighted IAR’s prominent role in Nigeria’s crop research and varietal development landscape.
With a genetic mandate covering nine key Nigerian crops, IAR plays a strategic role in developing improved varieties and ensuring their effective deployment to farmers. The Institute said its participation at the IMAGE briefing further reinforces its dedication to scientific excellence, transparency in seed systems, and innovation in crop improvement.
Stakeholders at the meeting stressed the need for stronger collaboration, enhanced data systems, and increased deployment of modern technologies to track the adoption of improved crop varieties across the country.
IAR assured NASC and other partners of its continued support toward building a more efficient, reliable and research-driven seed system capable of boosting national food security.
