IAR Releases 3 New Varieties Of Brown Oats Cultivars

The Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) at ABU Zaria has introduced three new brown oat varieties, contributing to agricultural advancements. Oats (Avena sativa), known for being a nutritious, gluten-free whole grain, are celebrated for their vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. The new varieties—SAMOAT 3, SAMOAT 4, and SAMOAT 5—were unveiled during a recent field day at the institute’s research farm in Zaria. This follows the earlier release of SAMOAT 1 and SAMOAT 2 in January 2022, approved by the National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds, and Fisheries. This collaboration with Context Global Development, United States, made IAR Samaru the pioneer in developing Nigerian oat cultivars for commercial farming. Prof. Ado Yusuf, Executive Director of IAR, highlighted that this achievement signifies a major step towards improving crop productivity and sustainability, reflecting the institute’s dedication to crop breeding and genetic enhancement. Represented by Prof. Aisha Mukhtar, Assistant Director Extension M & E, he emphasized the institute’s longstanding commitment to agricultural innovation. Dr. M. Oyekunle, the Principal Investigator, along with his team, showcased the results of extensive research. The field day allowed farmers, seed companies, and stakeholders to observe the new oat varieties’ performance and potential. Prominent seed companies and agricultural organizations reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration and innovation in agriculture. Source: DailyTrust

OUR REVIEW

These oats (Avena sativa) are renowned for their nutritional benefits, being gluten-free and rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. The introduction of these varieties is a milestone in crop productivity and sustainability, reflecting IAR’s commitment to agricultural innovation and genetic improvement. This follows the earlier successful release of SAMOAT 1 and SAMOAT 2 in January 2022, making IAR the first in Nigeria to develop commercial oat cultivars through collaboration with Context Global Development, United States. The unveiling event allowed farmers, seed companies, and stakeholders to observe the performance of these new varieties, fostering informed decision-making across the agri-food value chain. This initiative is poised to enhance food security, boost farm yields, and promote sustainable farming practices. The involvement of prominent seed companies and agricultural organizations underscores the potential for ongoing collaboration to drive agricultural growth. The development and release of these oat varieties will empower farmers with better crop options, enhance market opportunities, and contribute to the overall resilience and sustainability of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.