…says Nigeria could face a food crisis if farmers fail to adopt improved seed varieties.
KADUNA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times reports that the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has warned that Nigeria could face a food crisis if farmers fail to adopt improved seed varieties capable of withstanding drought, pests, and adverse climatic conditions.
The Hybrid Seed Market Development Manager at AATF, Mr. Olawale Ojo, sounded the warning during a field visit by journalists to demonstration farms cultivating TELA Maize in Danmarke Jaji, Kaduna State, over the weekend.
Ojo stressed that quality seeds remain a critical factor in boosting agricultural yields and ensuring national food security.
“Our goal is to help as many farmers as possible to adopt this technology,” Ojo said.
“The seed technology for any crop accounts for about 30 percent of the value a farmer is expected to derive. Without good seeds, without quality seeds, there will be trouble when it comes to food security.”
He noted that the TELA Maize hybrid, developed to resist pests, withstand drought, and guarantee higher yields, offers farmers a sustainable solution to changing environmental realities.
“We want more and more farmers to get on board with this technology so that their lives can be better and we can be assured of food security,” he emphasized, calling on farmers to give the TELA Maize variety a trial through licensed seed companies in Nigeria.
Farmers in Danmarke Jaji who have embraced the TELA Maize testified to its benefits, highlighting improved yields, early maturity, and reduced need for fertiliser and insecticides.
Malam Sabitu Abdullahi, a local farmer, said he had been planting the variety for three years with remarkable results.
“The maize starts maturing about 70 days after planting, as long as there’s moisture. Within three to four months, you can harvest,” Abdullahi said.
“It needs less fertiliser, is drought-resistant, doesn’t attract worms, and produces more food. I urge fellow farmers to adopt it ahead of the next planting season.”
Another farmer, Saleh Ahmadu, who abandoned his traditional maize variety of over two decades, said switching to TELA Maize transformed his yields.
“If you get five bags with the old variety, TELA Maize will give you nine, and with fewer inputs,” Ahmadu stated.
Female farmer, Amina Sabitu, also praised the variety, noting its consistent performance over the past three years.
“Before, we harvested 10 to 15 bags. Now we get 20 bags and above,” she said. “I encourage fellow women to try it. Once they do, they’ll stick with it and never go back.”
For 27-year-old farmer Ismail Shuaibu, the benefits of the TELA Maize hybrid go beyond yields.
“Last year, I harvested 15 bags from the same land where I used to get seven or eight. We don’t even spray insecticides anymore. The crop and the maize are worm-free,” Shuaibu said, urging young farmers to embrace the variety.
The TELA Maize variety, promoted by AATF in partnership with local seed companies, is part of ongoing efforts to enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.
