The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Prof. Adamu Ahmad, has raised alarms over the sharp increase in agricultural input prices, describing it as a significant threat to Nigeria’s food security.
Speaking on Saturday at the Samaru College of Agriculture, Zaria, Ahmad urged the Federal Government to intervene promptly before more farmers abandon production.
He highlighted soaring costs of fertilisers, tractors, hybrid seeds, farmland, and other essential farming inputs, noting that many smallholder farmers are struggling to sustain their operations.
“The cost of farm inputs is becoming unbearable for ordinary farmers. Many of them can no longer break even,” Ahmad said.
He warned that without targeted government support, the country could face a deeper food crisis.
Ahmad, represented at the event by Prof. Rabiu Adamu, made his remarks during a field demonstration of a genetically modified hybrid maize variety called TELA maize, organised by ECOBasic Seed, a Kaduna based foundation seed company.
The demonstration showcased the drought tolerance, pest resistance, and higher yield capacity of TELA maize compared with commonly used Open Pollinated Varieties.
Addressing over 100 participants from the university’s farming community, Ahmad emphasised the importance of modern agricultural practices.
He called for the adoption of hybrid seeds, mechanisation, and advanced technologies to improve productivity and farmers’ incomes.
“We cannot continue to do agriculture the same way and expect different results. Hybrid seeds and mechanisation are no longer optional; they are essential if Nigeria must attain food sufficiency,” he said.
Prof. Ahmad stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and requires sustained research funding, subsidies, farmer training, and strategic interventions to stabilise the sector and guarantee national food security.
He added that the country’s pursuit of food sufficiency depends on widespread adoption of high performing seed varieties capable of delivering large-scale yields despite climate challenges.
The Managing Director of ECOBasic Seed, Mr. Brighton Karume, said the TELA maize trials confirmed the crop’s ability to withstand harsh conditions while outperforming traditional varieties in both yield and pest resistance.
Represented by the company’s Commercial Manager, Mr. Moses Atewogboye, Karume noted that ECOBasic Seed collaborates with research institutes to promote profitable, technology-driven agriculture across Nigeria.
“The performance of TELA maize in this demonstration clearly shows its superiority. It withstands drought, resists pests and delivers more yield for farmers,” Karume said.
He emphasised that long-term growth in agriculture depends on innovations grounded in scientific research and consistent stakeholder engagement.
Karume added that ECOBasic Seed’s commitment extends beyond seed production, with ongoing investments in farmer education, field trials, and outreach programs to raise awareness of improved seed varieties.
“Many farmers in Nigeria still rely on outdated, low-yielding varieties. This must change if we hope to compete with leading agricultural countries,” he stated.
The introduction of TELA maize is part of a broader strategy to provide farmers with resilient, climate-smart options amid unpredictable weather patterns.
According to Karume, adopting improved varieties can significantly reduce losses from drought, pests, and diseases, boosting profitability and strengthening national food production systems.
“With improved, resilient seeds, farmers can boost output and support Nigeria’s food security objectives. The science is available; what we need now is wider adoption,” he said.
