Farmers in Kaduna State have expressed satisfaction with the performance of EcoBasic Seeds’ TELA Hybrid Maize, following the impressive yields recorded without the need for pesticides.
They made this known in Jaji, Kaduna State, during a field visit by a team of agricultural journalists to demonstration farms established by EcoBasic Seeds.
One of the farmers, Mallam Sabitu Abdullahi, described the TELA Hybrid Maize as a game changer, saying it guarantees good yield and timely harvest within just 70 days.
“If all Nigerian farmers adopt this seed, it will go a long way in ensuring food security,” he said.
He revealed that he has been part of the demonstration project for three years and has no regrets.
“I plant it for consumption and sale. We’ve been eating it, and it’s healthy,” he added.
Sabitu explained that he planted the SAMMAZ 75 T variety on his farm, which also has the advantage of being replantable. He advised fellow farmers to embrace TELA maize and consider stocking up seeds before the next rainy season.
He lamented that prior to the introduction of TELA maize, Nigerian farmers suffered huge losses due to drought, stemborer, and other pests, but now enjoy improved yields of up to 30 percent.
Also speaking, his wife, Aminat Sabitu, a fellow farmer, said she joined her husband in commercial farming after witnessing the impressive yield of TELA maize.
“Before, we used to get 10 bags from our land. Now, we harvest 22 bags,” she noted, adding that the variety is both drought-tolerant and fertilizer-friendly.
She encouraged women cooperatives to embrace the variety, assuring them of excellent returns.
Ismail Shaibu, a 27-year-old farmer, shared similar sentiments. He said his harvest increased from 7 to 13 bags after switching to TELA maize.
“We no longer use pesticides. The variety is resistant to pests. We initially had doubts, but after trying it, we’ve stuck with it,” he said, adding that the maize is also safe for consumption.
Another farmer, Saleh Ahmadu, who has been farming for over 20 years, said he had never encountered a maize variety like TELA.
“Pests don’t attack the leaves, and the yield is much higher. Where other seeds give five bags, TELA gives at least double on the same land size,” he disclosed.
Hybrid Seed Market Development Manager at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Olawale Ojo, confirmed the positive feedback from farmers using TELA maize.
“They don’t need to spray, which saves them money. The seed is affordable and delivers real value. It has been tested nationwide through our demo farms,” he said.
Ojo emphasized that AATF’s goal is to help farmers adopt this proven technology to boost food production in Nigeria.
COV: Adamu Yusuf
