Tela maize hybrids capable of producing 8-9 tonnes per hectare — Researcher

Prof. Rabiu Adamu, Principal Investigator of the Tela Maize Project at the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, says new maize hybrids being tested can produce between eight and nine tonnes per hectare.

Adamu disclosed this at a Maize Green Field Day organised by the institute at Karaye Local Government Area of Kano State to showcase the potential of the hybrids being tested in farmers’ fields.

He said the event was designed to enable farmers, stakeholders, seed companies and other relevant actors to assess the performance of the maize hybrids and participate in selecting those suitable for possible commercial release.

According to him, five maize hybrids are being evaluated under farmer-managed trials, comprising four new hybrids and a farmers’ variety.

He said the new hybrids had been tested for more than four years in research fields, with the best materials selected from an initial 15 hybrids for further evaluation in farmers’ fields.

“The aim is to allow farmers to participate in the selection because they know the type of maize they want. Their assessment will guide us in recommending the hybrids to the Federal Government for possible approval, mass production and commercial release next year,” he said.

Adamu said the hybrids were characterised by high yield, early-to-medium maturity of between 90 and 110 days, drought tolerance and protection against insect pests and diseases.

He said the hybrids could produce between 80 and 90 bags per hectare under suitable conditions, adding that their inherent resistance to insect pests and diseases would help minimise crop losses.

Also speaking, Amb. Mankaila Garba, Chairman, Maize Association of Nigeria, Kano State Chapter, said farmers had recorded significantly higher yields from the maize hybrids compared with conventional varieties.

Garba said farmers ordinarily harvested between 15 and 20 bags of maize per hectare, but the trial field had produced between 50 and 60 bags per hectare.

He attributed the improved performance to the hybrids’ resistance to pests, diseases and drought.