Food security: FG registers, releases improved pepper, tomato varieties, 27 other crops to farmers
In a strategic move to bolster food production and accelerate farmer access to improved inputs, the National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds, and Fisheries has officially approved the registration and release of 29 new high-yield crop varieties. This significant development was made during the committee’s 35th meeting, hosted by the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan.
The newly released crop varieties, which span pepper, tomato, maize, rice, millet, cowpea, wheat, sesame, barley, and soybean, were submitted by various research institutes, universities, and private seed companies. Key among them are biofortified rice varieties with high zinc content and several hybrid varieties with improved disease resistance, early maturity, and enhanced grain quality.
Of particular note are HORTIPEP1 and HORTIPEP2 (pepper) and two tomato varieties developed by NIHORT, prized for their adaptability to rainfed cultivation and resilience against fruit cracking. Six rice varieties, including FARO 71 and FARO 72, were also released for their yield potential and nutritional benefits.
Also approved retroactively were eight pasture varieties (six grasses and two legumes) aimed at supporting Nigeria’s resuscitation of ranching programs to address farmer-herder conflicts. This aligns with the federal government’s livestock reform and grazing initiatives.
According to Dr. Anthony Okere, Registrar and Director of NACGRAB, an important shift now requires research institutes to present seed samples upon submission, ensuring immediate seed multiplication and availability through the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC).
Mr. Samuel Adeyinka, a farmers’ representative, emphasized that the effectiveness of these releases depends on the speed and efficiency with which they are communicated and made accessible to farmers. He urged stronger collaboration between the committee and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Source: Tribune Online
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The strategic release of these new crop varieties signals a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to modernize its agricultural systems and enhance productivity across value chains. Here’s a closer look at what this means for various agri-food stakeholders:
- For Farmers: Faster Access, Greater Productivity
The release protocol now includes mandatory seed availability during registration. This eliminates the typical delay between approval and access, empowering farmers with timely inputs. These varieties—especially those tolerant to environmental stress and enriched with micronutrients—can significantly increase yields and reduce input costs. - For Agribusinesses and Seed Companies: Market Opportunities
Private seed companies involved in varietal development now have a streamlined path to commercialization. The inclusion of high-value crops like tomatoes, rice, sesame, and soybean offers new product lines for seed distributors and agro-dealers, enhancing private-sector engagement in seed systems. - For Policymakers: Evidence of Agricultural Research Paying Off
The release validates years of R&D investments by local research institutes. It also presents an opportunity for policymakers to reinforce extension services and build awareness campaigns that encourage farmer adoption and provide training on best agronomic practices for the new varieties. - For Development Partners: Entry Point for Nutrition and Conflict Resolution
The release of zinc-enriched rice supports Nigeria’s biofortification efforts to combat malnutrition, while the grasses and legumes signal progress in sustainable ranching—a potential solution to long-standing farmer-herder conflicts. Development partners can leverage these seeds in nutrition-sensitive and peacebuilding interventions. - For Extension Networks: The Need for Communication & Training
Extension agents must be mobilized quickly to disseminate information about the new varieties, their agronomic traits, and how they fit into local cropping systems. Without this, adoption will lag, undermining the intended benefits.
Conclusion: A Catalyst for Agri-Food Transformation
This seed release is more than an administrative milestone—it is a tangible lever for agricultural transformation. Agri-food stakeholders should seize this opportunity to build robust seed distribution systems, integrate the varieties into sustainable intensification programs, and scale innovations that support inclusive rural development.
