By Abdallah el-Kurebe
Farmers in Sokoto were yesterday introduced to improved varieties of groundnut at a seed fair that took place in Tambuwal, Tambuwal local government of the state.
Provided in collaboration with the International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the SAMnuts 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 improved varieties are resistant to aflatoxin and draught.
The Programme Manager of Sokoto Agricultural Development Project, (SADP), Abubakar Malami, represented by the Director of Agricultural Services, Malami Magaji said that the improved varieties would boost groundnut production.
“The improved varieties will boost production because it is resistant to aflatoxin and draught,” he said.
The Country Representative of Groundnut Upscaling of ICRISAT, Vabi Michael who was represented by its Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officer, Ishaku Yohanna said that the seeds were developed by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for farmers.
According to him, “The improved varieties are expected to provide double yield in 90 days. And on groundnut value chain, it produces more and better leaves and oil.”
An agro-dealer and farmer, Bello Kaurare said that he planted one bag of the improved variety of the groundnut last year and harvested 24 bags. “I have tested this improved variety. I planted one bag last year and harvested 24 bags in 85 days. I noticed that the varieties are resistant to draught,” he said.
Also, Mrs. Asibi Aliyu from Tangaza local government said at the seed fair that SAMnuts 24 and 25 yielded doubly for her, including more oil.
ICRISAT is upscaling groundnut in Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Jigawa states and in Dange/Shuni, Bodinga, Shagari, Tangaza and Tambuwal local government areas of Sokoto state.
