News and knowhow for farmers

The NEWS platform for farming families feeding Africa

Nigerian farmers get access to open-pollinated maize seeds increasing yields 66%

Share on social media

By Shuaibu Anokehi Yahaya

Nigerian farmers can now access two varieties of fast-maturing and drought-tolerant open-pollinated maize seeds that increase their yields from three to five tons per hectare and are resistant to maize streak virus and leaf blight.

While maize farming is a profitable business in Nigeria, with average incomes per acre ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦500,000, losses due to drought, pests, and diseases can significantly reduce profits. The Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) housed at Bayero University in Kano State has developed CDA’s IMDT (intermediate drought tolerance) and CDA’s EVDT (early variety drought tolerance) which are open-pollinated and are resistant to maize streak virus and leaf blight, and suitable for a climate that has three months on average of rainfall, minimising risks and ensuring higher yields. 

Data from CDA shows that both varieties are drought-tolerant and high-performing maize seeds that are specifically bred to boost the yields of farmers in Nigeria’s climate and soil conditions of the arid Sudan Savanna ecological zone.

The two maize varieties can produce up to five tons per hectare, compared to three tons per hectare for traditional open-pollinated varieties.

Related News: Maize farmers destroy Fall Armyworm at 80% less cost thanks to killer wasp

Related News: Green maize farmers double profits through transplanting

CDA IMDT Seed Profile:
  • Seed Name: IMDT-Maize
  • Seed Producer: Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University Kano
  • Yield per hectare: 5 tons
  • Time from Seed to Harvest: 70-80 days
  • Typical Cost: ₦1700 per kg
  • Water Needs/Drought Resilience: High drought tolerance
  • Performance in Pest Resistance: Resistant to maize streak virus and leaf blight
  • Ideal Soils and Climate: Well-drained soils, Sudan Savannah ecological zones (temperate climate)
CDA EVDT Seed Profile:
  • Seed Name: EVDT-Maize
  • Seed Producer: Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University Kano
  • Yield per hectare: five tons
  • Time from Seed to Harvest: 60-80 days
  • Typical Cost: ₦1700 per kg
  • Water Needs/Drought Resilience: High drought tolerance
  • Performance in Pest Resistance: Resistant to maize streak virus and leaf blight
  • Ideal Soils and Climate: Well-drained soils, Sudan Savanah ecological zones (temperate climate)

Related News: Hot-selling pigeon pea triples maize harvests

Related News: Maize, the alien staple food that locked Africa’s farmers into low yields

How to Get IMDT and EVDT Seeds:

Farmers can purchase IMDT and EVDT Maize seeds directly from CDA or through authorised distributors. 

Contact:

Mr. Ibrahim Musa Maina

Chief technologist/Head of Crop Production

CDA Farm/BUK

Phone: +2348069549658

Savanna Seed Company

Along Conar Dawaki, 

Zaria road

Kano State,

Phone: +2347038401260

Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA)

Bayero University Kano

Phone: +234 803 444 1111

Authorised Distributors:

Kano State Agricultural Development Programme (KADP)

Phone: +234 64 222222

Address: No. 45, France Road, Sabon Gari, Kano

Dala Agro Services

Phone: +234 803 333 1111

Address: No. 12, Zaria Road, Kano


Share on social media

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top