The Federal Government of Nigeria has recently unveiled a collection of 23 high-yield crop varieties to assist farmers in their pursuit of achieving food self-sufficiency in the nation. On January 11, 2024, the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan made a significant announcement as was reported. This announcement involved the release of various crop varieties. At the 33rd gathering of the National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries, it was disclosed in report that the crop variants were officially made available.
Prof. Soji Olufajo, the leader of the meeting, disclosed the approval and distribution of 23 unique varieties of seven different crops. These recommendations were put forth by the technical sub-committee and officially recognized by the Chairman of the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC). In Olufajo’s account, a multitude of fruits and vegetables were acquired through sources ranging from research institutions and universities to private enterprises. These encompassed a diverse array of crops such as corn, chili, paddy, tuber, a unique hybrid of sorghum, castor plants and oat.
Twelve different types of maize had been officially registered.
According to report, Prof. Shehu Ado led a technical sub-committee dedicated to the naming, registration, and release of crop varieties. Their 37th meeting took place on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the same location, where they discussed and examined a total of 24 received crop varieties. After thorough discussions and careful examination of all 24 submissions, the sub-committee reached a conclusion and put forth a list of 23 varieties that they recommend for release. During the meeting on Thursday, January 11, 2024, the NVRC received the recommendations of the sub-committee.
Subsequently, the NVRC put them up for final approval, as was reported. Following careful examination of the suggestions put forth by the committee members, the chairman of the NVRC made a formal declaration regarding the approval and dissemination of 23 fresh assortments. Included in his list were the twelve different types of maize that had been officially registered and made available to the public. These varieties were: SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T, SAMMAZ 75T, SAMMAZ 71T, Champion Gold 68, SC 417, SC 665, Kabamanoj (yellow), Golden MH 1-W (white), Golden MH 2-Y (yellow) and SAMMAZ 70.
Three oat varieties, were also officially approved.
Olufajo announced the release of several new agricultural varieties. These include two types of pepper named PS PEP 1 and PS PEP 2, three varieties of rice – Ex Badaru, Biofeedback Fiyah 549, and Bioseed Fiyah 800, as well as one variety of yam called UMUDr36 sharpsharp. Additionally, the sanction was given by him for the release of a single sorghum hybrid, named Gold SH1, and a singular castor variety called SAMCAS 1. Furthermore, three oat varieties, specifically SAMOAT 3, SAMOAT 4, and SAMOAT 5, were also officially approved and made available.
Also, the NVRC chairman provided his rationale for approving and introducing the 23 fresh strains of the seven different crops. Emphasizing the benefits, he highlighted the superior qualities of the 12 maize varieties including their impressive grain yield, resistance against fall armyworm and aflatoxin B, as well as their ability to mature early. According to Olufajo, the registration and release of the two types of peppers were determined by their moderate time to maturity, spiciness, large and weighty fruits, and their ability to resist various diseases. According to his assertions, the trio of newly introduced rice varieties were made available due to their exceptional attributes: accelerated growth, abundant yield and tillering, as well as an impressive swelling ratio.
A new sorghum variety has been officially registered.
Furthermore, the selection of released yam hybrid varieties was primarily driven by their ability to reach maturity quickly and produce abundant yields. A new sorghum variety has been officially registered and made available to farmers due to its exceptional attributes such as a high yield, early maturity, dwarf stature, and the ability to retain its greenness for an extended period. According to the speaker, the registration and release of the Castor variety was justified due to its remarkable seed production. On the other hand, the three oat varieties display remarkable attributes such as thriving in warmer climates, early maturation, and exceptional grain yield and protein content.