New Maize Variety in Nigeria Offers Hope Against Fall Armyworm

In Nigeria, researchers have developed a new maize variety that is resistant to the fall armyworm, a pest that has been a significant problem for farmers. Mr. Ogunremi O. Charles, a researcher, shared insights about this development during an interview with Emmanuel Owuraku Asamoah, the manager of Radio 1.

Mr. Ogunremi explained that they are currently conducting Confinement Field Trials (CFT) to test this new maize variety, known as “Summersiti,” which was developed at the Institute of Agriculture. They have set up a demonstration plot to showcase this maize variety to visitors and the general public. “The purpose of this demonstration is to create awareness about the new technology and to provide a user guide for farmers on how to effectively use it.”

One important aspect of this maize is that 20% of the crop is planted as a “refuge” to prevent pests, like the fall armyworm, from developing resistance to the genetically modified traits of the maize.

Mr. Ogunremi also mentioned that in Nigeria, “farmers face three major agricultural challenges: annual, temporal, and durational issues. “Despite these challenges, “99% of farmers who have tested the new maize variety are happy with it and have accepted it”. However, before the maize can be introduced to other countries, it must meet their specific safety regulations. “before other countries can use the maize i have to believe our safety regulations that need to be met”.

Overall, this new maize variety offers hope for Nigerian farmers in their ongoing battle against the fall armyworm, and it has the potential to make a significant impact on agriculture in the region.

Source: Radiooneghana.com/ Paulina Armah