IAR Hosts Green Field Day in Bichi, Kano State ????????
Today, 17th September 2025, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, hosted a Green Field Day at Dan-dalle, Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State, bringing together farmers, researchers, and community leaders to evaluate improved maize lines and actively participate in variety selection.
The field day gave farmers the opportunity to select promising maize lines for potential variety release, based on green physiological and morphological traits observed in the field.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, IAR, Prof. Ado Yusuf, stressed the importance of technology development and transfer as a driver of farmer empowerment and rural economic growth. He noted that IAR technologies, especially the biotech maize (TELA), are designed to boost yields and minimize losses from fall armyworm (FAW) and stemborers.
Prof. Rabiu Adamu, Principal Investigator of the BMSS Project, highlighted that the trials were sited across three locations in Kano, with Bichi being one of the demonstration hubs. He explained that the aim is to practically showcase how advanced technologies can transform production systems for smallholder farmers.
In their goodwill messages, dignitaries commended IAR’s consistency in driving innovation:
Prof. Yusuf Sani, Executive Director of NAERLS, reaffirmed the role of NAERLS in extending these technologies nationwide.
Dr. Yarama Ndirpaya, Project Manager, Maize Nigeria (AATF), expressed delight at the adoption rate of new technologies across African countries.
The District Head of Muntsira, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, thanked IAR for delivering the dividends of research to farmers’ doorsteps in Kano.
Other dignitaries included the Chairman Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN) Kano State, Alhaji Munkaila Garba, the Chief Imam of Muntsira, Alhaji Sani Muazu, and the Ward Head of Subaru, Malam Kabiru Subaru, all of whom commended IAR for empowering farming communities.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Lucius Bamaiyi, Assistant Director Research IAR, who appreciated farmers for their readiness to adopt innovations, while recognizing IAR’s commitment to producing affordable and practical solutions for smallholder farmers.
A highlight of the day came from Malam Iliya Abdullahi, a lead farmer, who shared his personal testimony. Initially skeptical about planting the TELA maize late in the season, he revealed that the exceptional performance of the crop on his farm has convinced him of its superiority and urged fellow farmers to embrace it wholeheartedly.
The event reached its peak when farmers themselves participated in selecting the best-performing maize lines, ensuring that future releases reflect both scientific rigor and farmer preferences.
With this, IAR continues to strengthen the bridge between research and practice, empowering farmers with technologies that guarantee food security, resilience, and prosperity.
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