Institute for Agricultural Research,
Ahmadu Bello University,
P.M.B 1044
Zaria.
NIGERIA APPROVES 25 NEW
CROP VARIETIES DEVELOPED BY IAR AND PARTNERS TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY AND
NUTRITION
Ibadan, Oyo State — March
26, 2026 — Nigeria has approved the registration and
commercial release of 25 improved crop varieties developed by the Institute
for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in
collaboration with national and international partners. The approval was
granted at the 36th Meeting of the National Committee on Naming,
Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries,
marking one of the most significant varietal releases in recent years.
The milestone was
announced by the Chairman of the National Variety Release Committee, Professor
O.O. Olufajo, following rigorous evaluation procedures to ensure that all
approved varieties meet the productivity, resilience, and quality requirements
of both smallholder and commercial farmers across Nigeria.
Diverse Portfolio Across
Strategic Crops
The newly approved
varieties span five critical crops: cowpea, cotton, groundnut, maize, and
sorghum, highlighting IAR’s leadership in delivering climate-resilient,
nutrition-sensitive, and market-oriented innovations.
Cowpea (4 varieties)
IAR released four
improved cowpea varieties:
These varieties combine high
yield, early maturity, and resistance to Striga and bacterial blight,
making them highly suitable for climate-variable environments.
Cotton (6 varieties)
In partnership with the
private sector, six cotton varieties were approved:
These varieties offer enhanced
pest resistance (bollworms, leaf roller, leaf hopper) and improved
productivity, supporting Nigeria’s cotton value chain revival.
Groundnut (4 varieties)
Four groundnut varieties
were released, including:
Notably, these are Nigeria’s
first high-oleic groundnut varieties, containing over 70% oleic acid (as
% of total fat), making them ideal for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods
(RUTF) in combating child malnutrition.
Maize (10 varieties)
A record number of maize
varieties were approved, including:
·
The flagship variety, SAMMAZ
78, developed and released by IAR, has a yield potential of up
to 9 t/ha, with enhanced pro-vitamin
A content (16.4 µg/g dry weight) and demonstrated drought
tolerance, making it highly suitable for addressing both
productivity and nutritional challenges.
·
In collaboration with the International
Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, and IAR, Premier Seed Nigeria
Limited released three high-performing hybrids: Oba Super 10 (yellow seeded),
Oba Super 12 (white seeded), and Oba
Super 19 (white seeded). These varieties offer yield potentials
ranging from 11 to 12 t/ha catering to
diverse market and consumer preferences.
·
Additional high-yielding white-seeded hybrids: DKC
90-53, DKC 81-81, and ZT9003
developed and released by Bayer Nigeria Limited in collaboration with IAR,
demonstrated yield potentials exceeding 10 t/ha,
alongside strong agronomic performance.
·
Furthermore, hybrids developed by Shriram
Bioseed Genetics and released in Nigeria by Fiyah Global Concept Limited in collaboration
with IAR: Bioseed Fiyah 629 (yellow
seed), Bioseed Fiyah 435, and Bioseed
Fiyah 683 (white seed) were approved. These varieties combine high
yield potential, good standability, and tolerance
to key diseases, including maize streak virus and
rust.
These varieties combine high
yield potential, disease resistance (including maize streak virus and rust),
and improved standability, addressing both productivity and nutritional
needs.
Sorghum (1 variety)
One early-maturing
sorghum hybrid, PAC 501, developed and released by Advanta Enterprises
Limited (a UPL Group company), has been approved. The hybrid is high
yielding, testa-free, and well adapted to the Sahel, Sudan, and Northern
Guinea Savanna agro-ecologies.
Driving National Food
Security and Innovation
The release of these
varieties underscores Nigeria’s commitment to agricultural transformation,
food security, and climate resilience, while also enhancing private sector
participation in seed systems.
“This landmark approval
reflects the strength of Nigeria’s agricultural research system and the power
of strategic partnerships,” said the Executive Director of IAR. “These
improved varieties are not just higher yielding, they are climate-smart,
nutrition-focused, and market-ready. They will significantly enhance farmer
productivity, improve livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to national food
and nutrition security.”
He further commended the
dedication of IAR scientists and partners, emphasizing that the Institute
remains at the forefront of delivering science-driven solutions to meet the
country’s growing food demand.
About IAR
The Institute for
Agricultural Research (IAR), based at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is
Nigeria’s leading agricultural research institution mandated to develop improved
crop varieties and sustainable farming technologies for the Northern Guinea,
Sudan, and Sahel agro-ecologies. Through cutting-edge research in crop
improvement, agronomy, and soil and land resource management, IAR delivers
climate-smart, productivity-enhancing innovations. Working with national and
international partners, the Institute strengthens agricultural value chains and
promotes the adoption of technologies through training and extension,
contributing to food security, improved nutrition, and resilient agricultural
systems in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa.
Share This News