In a bid to improve food production, the Federal Government has released four varieties of TELA maize, developed to resist fall army worm, stemborer pests and tolerant to drought.
The varieties are: SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T, and SAMMAZ 75T, which were developed by researchers at the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among others.
The introduction of the maize varieties was expected to significantly improve food security, cut down spending on pesticide imports, foster sustainable and profitable farming while helping farmers to achieve higher yields.
Speaking at the launch of the varieties in Abuja, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, described the achievement as a game-changer while calling on farmers to embrace the technology.
He said the issue with TELA maize is that it is high yielding, which means the present yield farmers are making will be more than double from two to three tonnes.
The minister who lamented the effects of climate change on food production in the country, said the varieties are drought-tolerant, which means the seeds can thrive with little water.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Dr Canisius Kanangire, lauded the collaborative efforts between AATF, the Nigerian government, and other national institutions, describing it as critical for the progress.
He said by promoting policies that support agricultural innovation, the Federal Government of Nigeria helped create an enabling environment for the development and use of genetically modified crops that are safe, productive, and beneficial to smallholder farmers and the environment.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of IAR, Professor Ado Adamu Yusuf, highlighted the significance of the maize varieties in reducing chemical insecticide use by up to N2 billion annually, translating to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.
He further emphasised the institute’s century-long mission to address farmers’ challenges through innovative and environmentally-friendly research.