The Niger State Agricultural and Mechanisation Development Authority (NAMDA) has unveiled a TELA maize variety to sensitise farmers and promote its adoption to boost production.
Mr Abdullahi Ndafogi, Deputy Director of Research at NAMDA, stated this during a green field day exercise on Wednesday in Minna.
The event was organised by the authority to educate farmers on the new maize variety, tagged “SAMMAZ 72T”.
Ndafogi said the new variety had high yield potential, was drought-resistant and was tolerant to pests.
He said the variety could yield 9.4 tonnes per hectare, surpassing the national average maize yield of six tonnes per hectare.
Ndafogi said the exercise was organised to familiarise farmers with the new variety and its potential benefits. He added that farmers needed to adopt good agronomic practices to achieve optimal production.
Ms Hassana Garba, Director of Extension at the authority, said the programme aimed to expand TELA maize production because of its high yield potential.
Garba said the variety had been cultivated for about two years through the Niger Foods Programme, where it recorded high yields.
She said the green field exercise also featured the presentation of 10 cowpea varieties for trials, exposing farmers to different varieties for assessment and possible adoption.
Garba said farmers were also sensitised on the importance of using quality seeds and promoting backyard gardening to improve productivity and enhance food security.
Hajiya Alfa also underscored the importance of home gardening and called for greater involvement of women in the practice.
The event featured a tour of the centre’s various units, including research, acquisition, fisheries and forestry.
Editorial note: Please confirm the official name of the “acquisition” unit and provide Hajiya Alfa’s full name and official title before publication.
