By; SANI ALIYU, Zaria
The Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Professor Kabiru Bala said that over 10 crop varieties have been introduced to farming communities in Nigeria including 3 Bt maize which are resistant to the dreaded fall army worm and stemborers by the Institute of Agriculture Research (IAR).
He stated this at the opening ceremony of the Annual Research Review and Planning Meeting and RECILS at Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) .
Professor Kabiru Bala said it is the university’s ardent believe that these technologies are developed to ease hunger and starvation, thus ensuring food security in the midst of of the challenges of insecurity in Nigeria.
Represented by the Provost College of Medical Sciences, Professor Mohammed Sani Shehu, he said, IAR has become a household name among farming communities in terms of technology generation and dissemination.
The Vice Chancellor said it is collective resolve to ensure availability of food in a sustainable manner to enhance academic and social well being of all and sandry within the purview of the ABU through the Agricultural Veterinary complex research efforts.
In his address, the Executive Director Institute for Agricultural Research Professor Ado Yusuf said the Challenge of global warming resulting in droughts and floods ravaging nation’s behoves on us to develop climate resilient crops and technologies in save farmers from huge economic looses.
He said in the last decade the institute have imbibe the use of cutting-edge technologies using the tools of biotechnology to develop and release climate smart crop varieties for the benefit of the farmers.
Professor Ado added that IAR will not relent on their ongoing efforts on the development of crop varieties that exhibit tolerance or resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses, including drought, extreme heat, floods, pest and diseases in order to address the challenges of climate change.
According to him, IAR Crop varieties will be complemented by production technologies focusing on improved soil management and agronomic practices that will assist in attaining their maximum potential as well as various simple tools designed to minimize labour in both crop production and post harvest activities.
In his message, the Executive Secretary Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubutu said IAR has strengthens the pivotal role the instructions like them play in shaping the trajectory of Nigerian Agricultural landscape.
Represented by Prof. Bello Abubakar Zaki a Director in the Council said, IAR steadfast commitment to advancing the frontiers of Agricultural Research and technology has not gone unnoticed.
Also, the institute unwavering dedication, innovative spirit and tireless efforts are instrumental in driving sustainable economic development across Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary said the Council has acknowledged and commended the remarkable strides made by the institute in postering excellence in agricultural and technology development, while the ground breaking initiatives, cutting edge research endeavors and impactful interventions are contributing significantly to the advancement of agricultural sector.
