The Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, says it has developed hybrid and improved seedlings suitable for the agro-climate of the North-East.
The Head of, the Agricultural Extension Unit of the institute, Dr Sharhabid Yahaya disclosed this in an interview on Thursday in Bauchi state.
Yahaya said the seedlings were developed through research and were being distributed to farmers in the area, as the 2024 rainy season set in.
He said part of the research outcomes were displayed at the ongoing 15th North-East Trade Fair in Bauchi.
According to him, the farmers have opportunities to access the seedlings for grains, fruits and horticulture farming activities.
“The institute has conducted research on over 20 different varieties of seedlings based on its mandate.
“We have the seedlings suitable for various climate conditions, with particular regard to rainfall and duration, as it pertains to agro-climate.
“We have areas prone to flooding and those that cannot afford much fertiliser,” he said.
He added that the institute had conducted test-proof research on the aforementioned results.
Yahaya enjoined farmers to seek professional advice before the commencement of their agricultural activities.
The North East (often hyphenated to the North-East) is the one of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria representing both a geographic and political region of the country’s northeast. It comprises six states – Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe.
Geographically, the North East is the largest geopolitical zone in the nation, covering nearly one-third of Nigeria’s total area. In terms of the environment, the zone is primarily divided between the semi-desert Sahelian savanna and the tropical West Sudanian savanna ecoregions.
NAN
