What Farmers Should Know About TELA Maize Varieties

In the past three years, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has introduced several maize varieties to improve agricultural productivity in Nigeria. The institute developed drought-tolerant varieties (SAMMAZ 62, 63, and 68) and, through the TELA Maize Project initiated in 2019, released four genetically modified (GM) maize varieties (SAMMAZ 72T, 73T, 74T, and 75T). These GM varieties are resistant to pests like fall armyworms and stem borers and can tolerate drought. The TELA Maize Project, coordinated by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID, aims to improve yields, reduce insecticide costs, and enhance food security. The project involves collaboration with national research systems in seven African countries, including Nigeria. The new varieties, developed with conventional breeding and genetic modification, will be made available to seed companies royalty-free, promoting technical breeding and biotechnology capacity in Africa. Source; DailyTrust

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The recent advancements by IAR and the TELA Maize Project are promising steps toward sustainable agriculture and food security in Nigeria. These drought-tolerant and pest-resistant maize varieties are crucial for combating agricultural challenges and enhancing productivity.