*introduces 5 newly developed crop varieties to Nigerian farmers
By; BAYO AKAMO, IbadanThe Executive Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Professor Veronica Obatolu on Tuesday disclosed that the institute is determined to increase productivity and sustainable agriculture for economic growth in Nigeria.
Professor Obatolu made this known in Ibadan at a press briefing on the recently released five newly developed crop varieties to Nigerian farmers held at the institute .
The IAR&T Executive Director said in line with this , over the years, the Institute has developed a lot of technologies and innovation in this regards .
According to Professor Obatolu, ” these have been deployed extensively to building the capacity of our farmers and entrepreneurs through training and empowerment initiatives of the institute”.
” Precisely on the 12th January, 2022, another feat in this regard was recorded by the institute with the release of five newly developed crop varieties to Nigerian farmers through the certification of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds”, she said.
Professor Obatolu added, ” these technologies are of enormous potentials in attainment of industrial growth, economic diversification and attainment of food and nutritional security.”.
The IAR&T Executive Director listed the five newly developed crop varieties to Nigerian farmers to include ” Kenaf varieties, Cowpea varieties, Modupe varieties, saying, ” Modupe is an early maturing variety with spreading growth habit, resulting in high fodder yield for farm animal and ability to suppress weed.
While appreciating the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for the funding support to the researches to produce the breakthroughs, Professor Obatolu also appreciated ” enterprising farmers” who have been relating with the institute on constant basis and participating in its research and extension activities”
In her remarks on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Zonal Director Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Omolara Oguntuyi tasked Nigerian scientists to do more in the area of researches while the farmers should queue in to ensure more food production in the country.
