Government Unveils New Chicken Breeds and Crop Varieties to Boost Food Security
The Federal Government has launched new chicken breeds alongside 57 crop varieties aimed at enhancing meat availability, bolstering food security, and improving the nutritional health of Nigerians.
This initiative was unveiled during the 36th meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Publication of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds, and Fisheries, recently held in Ibadan. The meeting was organized by the National Center for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) and chaired by Soji Olufajo, leader of the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC).
During the meeting, Olufajo explained that the registration and publication of the novel chicken breeds and the crop varieties were based on insights from two technical subcommittees. He emphasized that these developments are expected to significantly impact food production in the country and encouraged farmers to take advantage of the improved seeds and materials now available.
Olufajo also urged agricultural extension workers to keep farmers informed about these advancements, as they play a crucial role in expanding agricultural production nationwide. He stated that collaboration among research institutions, breeders, geneticists, and stakeholders is vital for advancing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
The newly introduced chicken breed, named ‘Moorbetta,’ is joined by crops such as soybean, yam, potato, onion, tomato, rice, pepper, eggplant, Musa, cotton, maize, groundnut, sorghum, and cowpea. This diverse array of plants aims to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural framework.
Meanwhile, the Technical Sub-Committee on Nomenclature, Registration, and Publication of Crop Varieties, led by Professor Shehu Addo, recently convened to discuss 59 submitted varieties during its 40th meeting. The committee approved 57 of these for further consideration by the NVRC.
In a related development, the Technical Subcommittee on Nomenclature, Registration, and Stocking of Livestock Breeds and Fisheries discussed the new ‘Moorbetta’ chicken breed at its 10th meeting. Chaired by Waheed Akin Hassan, the subcommittee highlighted the breed’s substantial potential for mass production due to its locally developed features.
Reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the new breed emerged from the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training in Ibadan, where it was recognized for its advantageous characteristics, including significant body weight at ten weeks, excellent carcass attributes, and resilience to heat stress.
Among the high-yielding crops registered are four Musa seed varieties: two new plantain types, HORTIPLAN 1 and 2, and two banana varieties of the same designation. HORTIPLAN varieties were developed for their heavy bunches, high carotenoid content, and suitability for various culinary applications.
Also newly registered is a soybean variety (YSJ001) recognized for its high protein and disease resistance, and two yam varieties developed through partnerships among the National Root Crops Research Institute and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. These yam varieties are prized for their early maturity and superior cooking qualities.
Furthermore, the release of new potato, onion, tomato, rice, pepper, and eggplant varieties indicates a diversified approach to improving food production. The NVRC has approved these varieties based on traits such as early ripening, disease resistance, and adaptability to varying climatic conditions. Reports indicate that the NVRC meeting, attended by agricultural researchers and geneticists, laid a crucial foundation for the future of Nigerian agriculture.
