By ABDULLAHI JALALUDDEEN
The Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has unveiled four new maize varieties to farmers in Kano State.
The Executive Director of the institute, Professor Ado Yusuf, disclosed this during the unveiling and Green Field Day held at Sabuwar Unguwa in Karaye Local Government Area of the State.
Yusuf, represented by the Principal Investigator of the Tela Maize Project, Professor Rabiu Adamu, said the Green Field Day was organised to showcase the performance of the new varieties to farmers and other stakeholders.
He said the four varieties had been subjected to testing to assess their performance and suitability for cultivation by farmers.
According to him, the varieties are designed to withstand different climatic conditions and have inherent protection against insect pests and diseases.
Yusuf said the initiative was aimed at providing farmers with improved planting materials capable of enhancing maize production and improving their yields.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Maize Farmers Association, Kano State Chapter, Ambassador Munkaila Garba, expressed support for the initiative, saying farmers would benefit from the introduction of the improved maize varieties.
A farmer, Mr Saidu Idris Karaye, whose farm was used for the demonstration, said he had spent about 20 years in maize farming and had witnessed improvements in production through the use of improved varieties.
Karaye urged other farmers to adopt the Tela maize varieties to improve productivity and strengthen maize production in the State.
Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
