TELA maize, a new hybrid seed variety, is gaining widespread praise among farmers for its high yield potential, as well as resistance to drought and insect attacks.
Farmers in Makarfi, Sabon Gari, and Soba Local Government Areas of Kaduna State have reported that the TELA variety significantly outperformed local maize types in terms of growth, pest resistance, and overall productivity.
Tajudeen Gambo, a farmer from Marke village in Makarfi, said he planted the TELA variety on a 0.3-hectare plot and observed remarkable yields compared to the maize he had been cultivating for the past 15 years.
“I anticipate about a 50 to 75 percent increase in yield compared to previous seasons,” he said.
“The crop resisted insects and performed exceptionally well. With this result, I plan to abandon other varieties and expand my farm with TELA maize next season.”
He called on government at all levels to improve farmers’ access to the new seed, saying it would enhance productivity, reduce poverty, and strengthen food security.
Shu’aibu Mustapha, a maize grower from the Maraban Gwanda community in Sabon Gari, said he cultivated TELA maize on a quarter-hectare plot, adhering strictly to agronomic guidelines and advice from extension agents.
“The variety grew faster, experienced no pest attacks, and had shorter stems, making it less susceptible to wind damage,” he said.
“Because of this, many neighboring farmers are now interested in planting it next season.”
In Soba Local Government Area, Adamu Haruna, a farmer in Bagaldi community, said he initially faced challenges due to a prolonged dry spell after planting, which affected germination. However, the TELA maize still outperformed other varieties under similar conditions.
“Despite the drought, the TELA seeds germinated better than others would have. Nearby farms that planted other maize varieties were attacked by armyworms, but my TELA maize field was unaffected,” he said.
Haruna also noted that the new variety produced larger cobs and drew the attention of other farmers in his area.
“Previously, I harvested about 10 bags from this same field, but this season I expect between 15 and 17 bags,” he added.
