Writing By Ibrahim Suleiman; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria, has intensified efforts to improve crop productivity through the development of climate-resilient and high-yielding crop varieties.
The Executive Director of the Institute, Professor Ado Yusuf, disclosed this at the 2026 Annual Research Review and Planning Meeting and Zonal REFILS Workshop held at the Balarabe Tanimu Conference Hall of the Institute.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Professor Nafi’u Abdu, Professor Yusuf explained that the Institute’s research focuses on the genetic improvement of mandate crops such as maize, sorghum, and cowpea to address challenges associated with climate change, irregular rainfall patterns, and pest infestations.
He noted that the development of drought-tolerant and pest-resistant varieties would enable farmers to adapt to unpredictable weather conditions and significantly reduce production losses.
The Executive Director further stated that some of the improved crop varieties are already making a noticeable impact in the market.
He cited improved cowpea varieties that reduce the need for multiple pesticide applications, thereby lowering production costs and minimizing environmental and health risks.
However, Professor Yusuf identified inadequate funding as a major constraint affecting research activities, emphasizing that most projects rely heavily on international collaborations.
He therefore called on both state and federal governments to invest more in agricultural research to ensure that innovations reach farmers promptly.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmed, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Bello Sabo, said the annual review provides an opportunity to assess progress, refine research policies, and package findings for dissemination to the wider community.
He added that the Institute has consistently released improved crop varieties capable of boosting agricultural productivity across the country.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Dr. Adamu Abubakar Damban, represented by Hajiya Hajara Buba Abdu, commended the Institute for its sustained efforts in developing improved varieties.
He encouraged stronger collaboration among researchers, farmers, and development partners, particularly within the northern ecological zones.
In his speech, the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, represented by the Madakin Gonnan Zazzau, Alhaji Musa Ibrahim Bamalli, stressed that although Nigeria has competent researchers, the major challenge lies in the effective implementation of research findings.
He noted that strengthening agricultural extension services remains critical to ensuring that innovations reach farmers and translate into increased food production.
The meeting, themed “Mainstreaming Climate Change in Agriculture: Strengthening Food Security and Economic Stability under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” aligns with the agricultural transformation agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
COV/ IBRAHIM SULEIMAN
