Nigeria gets new hybrid maize to boost food security
The National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries has approved the release of three conventional maize hybrids to Nigerian farmers.
The maize seeds are expected to boost yield and enhance efforts towards food security.
Maize farmers have 3 high yielding conventional maize hybrids to choose. The seeds championed by Monsanto Agriculture Nigeria Limited.
The launch, which held in Abuja, yesterday, had in attendance farmers, development partners, government regulatory bodies and other stakeholders from both the private and public sectors of the economy.
The launch of these hybrid seeds follows their registration by the Federal Government.
Head of Mozanto in Nigeria, Kehinde Johnson explained that the white maize hybrid, DK234 alongside the 2 yellow maize hybrids, DK920 and DK818 obtained registration approval for use in Nigeria after testing across various agro ecological zones on multi-location farms.
He stressed: “The white maize hybrid DK234 with yield potential of 13 tonnes per hectare is well adapted for the Southern and Northern Guinea Savanna ecologies and shows tolerance to Maize Streak Virus, rust and Striga hermonthica.
“The yellow maize hybrids DK920 and DK818 both have yield potential of
10 tonnes per hectare and are adapted for the South and Northern Guinea Savanna ecologies. The two yellow hybrids are also tolerant to maize streak virus, rust, leaf blight, curvularia leaf spot, and Striga hermonthica.
“As a long-term strategic investor and partner in the country’s agricultural industry, Monsanto Nigeria aligned with the government policy of promoting local seed production. Monsanto Nigeria engaged over 300 Nigeria small holder farmers in Hadejia Local Government Jigawa State, Nigeria to produce her first batch of DK234, DK818 and DK920 under dry season planting, and the company provided the farmers with necessary inputs supported by a guaranteed by-back scheme in place.”
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1 Comments
Oh Nigeria! Monsanto has already destroyed you. Corrupt nation, why Monsanto? The evils of boko haram and fulani cattle herdsmen are not enough?
Weep for your soil o ye Nigerians, weep!!
We will review and take appropriate action.