Scientists say new legumes seed varieties underway
Scientists under the Tropical Legumes III (TLIII) project, led by International Crops Research Institute for the SemiArid Tropics (ICRISAT), and p34 pix 2 implemented by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in collaboration with other institutes have come up with varieties of legumes seeds to ensure high grain and fodder yield.
Already, farmers in most of the northern states under the projects have been introduced to the high breed seeds through either the project’s demonstration farms or on their own farms.
According to Malam Sani Musa Bagadawa of Dawakin Tofa Local Government, Kano State, he had planted about four varieties of cowpea seeds in his farm and that he had seen the difference in terms of maturity time, yield, resistance to pest and fodder availability among other traits.
“I have seen it and I have already made my choice on what type of seed I will use. I strongly believe that with this improved variety, many people will begin to cultivate the cowpea in larger quantity,” he said.
Similarly, a groundnut farmer, Malam Aminu Abdullahi of Dabawa village in Bichi Local Government Area revealed that all indicators were that with the improved seed he planted this year, his harvest might triple compared to what he got last year.
“It is unbelievable the way and manner the people have assisted us; they are our farms and the proceeds are ours but they also took the trouble to ensure that we got the best out of what we cultivate.
“As you can see, my groundnuts farm is far better than those of my neighbours. People have been asking me for the seeds which I have promised to give to them,” he revealed.
Speaking in Kano during a scientists’ team visitation to demonstration farms and seed multiplication research centres under project TLIII, Seed System Specialist, Dr. Lucky O. Omoigui, revealed that the project was aimed at developing a sustainable seed system in West Africa through effective research to improve food production and ensure reduction in hunger and poverty in the country.
He added that the objective is to develop seeds that are resistant and tolerant to both biotic and abiotic stresses and also to develop seeds that are good in adaption to monocropping and inter-cropping systems.
“We have conducted demonstrations on groundnuts SAMNUT26, 21, 23, 25 and 24. We have done the same on cowpea to ensure high yield varieties that are early or medium maturing and have consumer-preferred traits such as large seeds, seed coat texture and colour. We have also grown such seeds in farmer’s own farms to enable them see the difference and make their choices,” said Dr. Lucky.
Addressing the scientists during the visitation, ICRISAT Nigeria country representative, Dr. Hakeem Ayinde Ajeigbea, stated that most of the research findings had been published as a measure of ensuring attainment of the project’s objectives of ensuring increase in legumes production and nutrition and income for smallholder farmers.