Tolon (N/R), Nov 03, GNA – The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR–SARI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), has held a farmers’ field day at Tolon to showcase four newly developed maize varieties to enhance productivity, nutrition, and income for smallholder farmers.
The showcased hybrids included CSIR Dimaali-Engee and CRI Abebe (both Pro-Vitamin A maize), CSIR Adubi-Boyo (a Quality Protein Maize hybrid), and CSIR Denbea, a high-yielding hybrid with improved resilience to environmental stresses.
The field day, led by Dr Isaac Kodzo Amegbor, a Maize Breeder at CSIR–SARI, brought together farmers from Tolon and surrounding communities as well as agro-input dealers, seed producers, and other stakeholders in the Northern Region.
Dr Amegbor provided an overview of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme explaining that it sought to unlock Africa’s vast agricultural potential by promoting the adoption of proven, high-impact technologies capable of transforming smallholder farming systems.
He emphasized that the maize varieties on display were developed through years of intensive breeding and evaluation at CSIR–SARI, targeting key challenges such as low yields, drought stress, soil infertility, and malnutrition.
Funded by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) under the TAAT II Maize Compact, the varieties are being promoted nationwide to strengthen the country’s food and nutrition security.
Dr Amegbor said, “Our mission as researchers is to ensure that farmers have access to improved, high-yielding, and nutritious maize varieties that perform well under local conditions.” He added that “When farmers are satisfied with their harvests or our technologies, it gives us joy and motivates us to keep developing technologies that work for them.”Dr Amegbor announced that CSIR–SARI’s plan, in collaboration with AATF, was to organize free training sessions for interested farmers and seed producers to build their capacity in quality seed production and management.
Madam Victoria Basim, an Agricultural Extension Agent at Tolon District, commended the collaboration between CSIR–SARI and MoFA, emphasising that introducing high-performing and nutrient-enriched maize varieties was vital for improving food security, health, and farmer incomes.
She said, “We are happy to see our farmers embracing these new varieties. With the right agronomic practices, they can boost their yields and improve the nutritional value of their harvests.”
Mr Iddrisu Muniru Mustapha, Crops Officer, Tolon District Department of Agriculture, also commended CSIR–SARI and partners for their contributions toward sustainable agricultural transformation in the Northern Region.
The demonstration field, managed by Mr Ziblim Adam, a lead farmer from Tolon, served as a platform for participatory learning. Mr Adam expressed appreciation for being selected as a host farmer and shared his excitement about the performance of the new varieties. He said, “I have seen a big difference with these varieties. The plants are more vigorous, the cobs are larger, and the yield looks very encouraging. I plan to host the demonstration again next season.”
Madam Zelia Mohammed, another farmer, highlighted the nutritional importance of the Pro-Vitamin A maize saying “As mothers, we are pleased to see maize that is not only high-yielding but also beneficial for our children’s health. I will definitely try the Dimaali-Engee variety on my farm next year.” The field day also featured a hands-on training session on best agronomic practices, focusing on optimal plant spacing, population density, crop management and post-harvest techniques.
The event formed part of CSIR–SARI’s broader strategy to promote climate-smart, farmer-centred and nutrition-sensitive agriculture in the country
Source: Corporate Affairs Division
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