ABU Zaria Showcases TELA Maize Technology to Boost Farmers’ Yields and Food Security

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has reaffirmed its commitment to research and innovation aimed at improving agricultural productivity, supporting farmers and strengthening food security in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Adamu Ahmed, stated this at a field day showcase organised by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), ABU Zaria, to demonstrate the potential of the TELA maize variety to farmers and other stakeholders.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Professor Aliyu Rafin Dadi Sunusi, the Vice-Chancellor said the university’s researchers were working closely with farmers to promote agricultural technologies capable of addressing major challenges confronting the sector.

He said the TELA maize variety could contribute to improved food production, particularly because of its ability to withstand drought and reduce losses associated with pests.

Professor Ahmed explained that, in terms of nutrition and general use, TELA maize is similar to conventional maize consumed by the public, stressing that its major advantage lies in its improved characteristics.

He added that ABU, through the Institute for Agricultural Research, was actively involved in the research, development and propagation of the TELA maize variety.

Also speaking, the Director of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Professor Ado Yusuf represented by the TELA Programme Coordinator in Nigeria, Professor Rabi’u Adamu, described TELA maize as a new agricultural technology with significant potential to contribute to Nigeria’s food security.

He urged farmers to embrace research-based innovations that could help increase agricultural productivity and address emerging challenges in the sector.

The Executive Director of the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Professor Sani Yusuf Ahmed, said improved maize varieties could significantly increase yields, particularly among smallholder farmers.

Professor Ahmed identified low agricultural productivity as one of the major challenges facing farmers, noting that the use of improved seeds could account for a substantial part of a farmer’s yield potential.

He said testimonies from farmers who had cultivated the improved variety indicated yield increases of more than 40 percent compared with conventional maize varieties.

He therefore encouraged farmers to learn from early adopters of the technology and consider planting improved varieties to increase productivity, boost household income and contribute to food security.

Ahmed said the field engagement was designed to provide farmers with first-hand information and practical experience on the performance and economic benefits of improved agricultural technologies.

The NAERLS Executive Director urged farmers to take advantage of innovations developed by agricultural research institutions to overcome challenges associated with low yields, climate change, pests and diseases.

Earlier, the Country Director of TELA, Mr. Yarama Ndirpaya, said the purpose of the showcase was to allow farmers to see the technology firsthand, assess its performance and make informed decisions on its adoption.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association, Alhaji Nuhu Aminu, urged farmers to cultivate improved and high-yielding crop varieties that are capable of withstanding drought and other harsh weather conditions.

He said the adoption of improved seeds would enable farmers to increase yields, enhance food production and improve their livelihoods.