By Lanre Shodimu
As efforts are intensified towards food cultivation and animal production , the federal government has introduced a newly developed chicken breed and 57 crop varieties to boost meat availability, enhance food security and improve Nigerians’ nutritional well-being.
This was recently announced in Ibadan at the 36th meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries.
The meeting, organised by the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), was presided over by Soji Olufajo, chairman of the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC).
Olufajo explained that the registration and release of the new chicken breed and the 57 high-yield varieties from 14 crops were based on recommendations from its two technical sub-committees.
He stated that the new chicken breed and crop varieties would have a great impact on food production in the country, advising farmers to enjoy the opportunity by obtaining improved seeds and adapted materials.
He called on agricultural extension agents to ensure that farmers were aware of new and upcoming developments in terms of greater production in the country.
He charged research institutes, breeders, geneticists and other stakeholders to keep up doing what would enhance the growth and development of agriculture in Nigeria.
According to him, the new chicken breed is ‘Moorbeta’, while the crops comprise soyabean, yam, potato, onion, tomato, rice, pepper, eggplant, Musa spp, cotton, maize, groundnut, sorghum and cowpea.
Also, the technical sub-committee on naming, registration and release of the crop varieties, chaired by Shehu Ado, a professor, had, during its 40th meeting on Tuesday, deliberated on 59 varieties received.
The sub-committee, after deliberation and consideration of the 59 submissions, recommended 57 varieties, which were put before the NVRC for final approval at Thursday’s meeting.
Further more, the technical sub-committee on naming, registration and release of livestock breeds/fisheries, during its 10th meeting on Wednesday, deliberated on the only new chicken breed received.
The sub-committee, chaired by Waheed Akin-Hassan, stated that the new chicken breed, ‘Moorbeta’, was a locally developed meat-type chicken. He said there would be a mass production of the breed because of its great potential.
Akin-Hassan, another professor, noted that efforts on the performance of the nation’s indigenous chicken had been known for so long. He commended all animal geneticists and breeders who contributed to the area, describing the new chicken breed as a mid-class type. Thereafter, the sub-committee put its recommendations before the NVRC for final approval.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new chicken was bred by the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan.
The two new plantain varieties are HORTIPLAN 1 and 2, while the two new banana varieties are HORTIBAN 1 and 2.
HORTIPLAN 1 and 2 were released based on their heavy bunches, yellow pulp, excellence for boiling, frying, roasting, flour-making, long shelf life, and high carotenoid content.
Meanwhile, HORTIBAN 1 and 2 were released and registered for their good sweet taste, thick peel, big pulp, and intermediate bract apex shape.
