Nigeria’s agricultural productivity drive has received a boost with the approval of a new chicken breed alongside 57 improved crop varieties aimed at increasing food supply and enhancing national nutrition.
The development was announced in Ibadan at the 36th meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries, convened by the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB).
Chairman of the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC), Soji Olufajo, stated that the approvals followed recommendations from the committee’s technical sub-groups after thorough evaluation.
He explained that the newly approved chicken breed, named Moorbeta, and the 57 crop varieties from 14 different crops are expected to significantly improve agricultural output in the country.
He urged farmers to take advantage of the improved seeds and breeding materials to increase productivity.
Olufajo also called on agricultural extension agents to ensure that farmers are well-informed about the newly released varieties, while encouraging researchers and other stakeholders to sustain efforts toward advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The Moorbeta chicken, developed by the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, was approved based on its ability to attain high body weight within a short period, good carcass yield, and tolerance to heat stress—qualities that support increased meat production under local conditions.
Chairman of the livestock sub-committee, Waheed Akin-Hassan, noted that the breed has strong production potential and would be produced on a large scale.
On the crop side, the approved varieties span key staples including soyabean, yam, potato, onion, tomato, rice, pepper, eggplant, plantain, banana, maize, groundnut, sorghum and cowpea.
Among them are four Musa varieties—two plantains (HORTIPLAN 1 and 2) and two bananas (HORTIBAN 1 and 2)—developed by the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, valued for their high yield, quality, and longer shelf life.
Also approved is a soyabean variety developed in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, known for its high protein content and disease tolerance, alongside two yam varieties recognised for early maturity and good processing qualities.
Other released varieties include improved tomato, onion, rice, pepper and eggplant types selected for their adaptability, resistance to diseases, and suitability for different growing conditions.
The rice varieties—FARO 73, SG Rice 1 and 2, MIP 5803 and 4802—were approved for their grain quality, good yield potential, and tolerance to drought.
In addition, the committee approved 15 maize varieties, four groundnut varieties, one sorghum variety, four cowpea varieties, and six cotton varieties.
The approvals followed deliberations by the crop sub-committee chaired by Shehu Ado, which reviewed 59 submissions and recommended 57 for final approval.
However, stakeholders at the meeting expressed confidence that the newly released chicken breed and crop varieties would contribute to increased food availability and improved agricultural productivity across Nigeria.
