The Institute of Agricultural Research(IAR), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has released three new varieties of brown oats towards strengthening food production and employment generation.
The three new oats varieties– SAMOAT 3, SAMOAT 4, and SAMOAT 5– were unveiled during a field day held at the institute’s research farm on Tuesday in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institute had earlier released two improved oats cultivars named SAMOAT 1 and SAMOAT 2 in Jan. 2022.
The release makes the IAR, in collaboration with Context Global Development, U.S., the first to develop and release oats cultivars for commercial cultivation in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Ado Yusuf, Executive Director of the institute, said the occasion marked a significant milestone on the institutes’ journey towards enhancing crop productivity and sustainability.
“It is also a testament to our commitment to advancing crop breeding and genetic improvement,” he said.
Yusuf was represented by Prof. Aisha Mukhtar, Assistant Director, Extension, Monitoring and Evaluation.
He said IAR was not only celebrating the release of the new oat varieties but also the spirit of agricultural innovation, collaboration, and progress that defined the institute for decades of its existence.
In his remarks, Dr Muhyideen Oyekunle, Principal Investigator of the Project, said the field day provided a platform for farmers, seed companies, and agricultural stakeholders to witness firsthand the performance and potential of the newly released oat varieties.
NAN reports that the event was attended by representatives of seed companies, Kaduna Agricultural Development Project (ADP)and National Agricultural Seed Council, among others.(NAN)
