Foundation moves to boost maize farming in Kano

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation has intensified efforts to boost maize production in Kano State by sensitising farmers to the benefits of TELA hybrid maize, a climate-smart seed technology designed to increase yields, reduce crop losses and strengthen food security.

The sensitisation programme, held on Saturday in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, brought together farmers, agricultural extension workers and community members to raise awareness about the improved maize variety and recommended agronomic practices aimed at improving productivity.

Speaking during the programme, the Hybrid Seed Market Development Manager of AATF, Mr Olawale Ojo, said the initiative was designed to equip farmers with practical knowledge that would enable them to improve yields and maximise returns from maize cultivation.

He described quality seed as the foundation of successful farming, stressing that improved seed varieties determine crop performance and profitability.

“Quality seed remains the foundation of successful farming. If farmers plant quality seed and apply the recommended agronomic practices, they stand a better chance of achieving higher yields, reducing production costs and improving their livelihoods,” Ojo said.

He explained that the TELA Maize Project was developed to address major challenges confronting maize farmers, particularly insect infestation and prolonged drought, adding that scientists used modern plant breeding and biotechnology to develop varieties resistant to destructive pests and tolerant of harsh weather conditions.

Ojo also dismissed claims linking genetically modified crops to cancer or infertile farmland, insisting that TELA maize had undergone rigorous scientific and safety assessments and had been certified safe for human consumption and the environment.

Related News Tomato prices may drop from August as wet-season harvest begins — Kaduna farmers

Kashamu’s son backs Tinubu for second term

US, EU, others support Nigeria with $247m humanitarian fund

According to him, demonstration plots comparing TELA maize with conventional varieties clearly showed healthier plants, stronger vigour and higher productivity, enabling farmers to harvest more while spending less on insect control.

An agricultural extension agent, Malam Bashir, urged participants to take advantage of the training, while farmers sought clarification on fertiliser application, seed management and the availability of the improved seeds.

Responding to the questions, AATF officials explained the recommended agronomic practices for fertiliser application and seed spacing and advised farmers on the need to use certified seeds to achieve optimum yields.

One of the participants, Jamila Bello, said she had earlier visited a TELA maize demonstration farm and was impressed by the quality of the crop, expressing optimism that the training would encourage more farmers to adopt the improved variety.

Another participant, Laima Bashir, called for greater support for women in agriculture, saying many female maize farmers lacked adequate knowledge of proper planting methods and agronomic practices needed to improve yields and reduce wastage of farm inputs.

A veteran farmer, Malam Magaji Usman, described the sensitisation programme as an eye-opener despite spending nearly 45 years in farming.

“I have been farming for nearly 45 years, but I have never received this kind of specialised training. I appreciate AATF for bringing this knowledge directly to us. I encourage other farmers to adopt TELA maize because it offers better yields, healthier crops and improved productivity,” he said.