FG Introduces New Chicken Breed, Releases 57 Crop Varieties

The Federal Government has introduced a newly developed chicken breed and released 57 crop varieties aimed at increasing food production and improving nutrition in the country.

The announcement was made in Ibadan during the 36th meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries. The meeting was organised by the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology.

Chairman of the National Variety Release Committee, Soji Olufajo, said the approval followed recommendations from two technical sub-committees that reviewed submissions for new crop varieties and livestock breeds.

He said the newly released varieties cover 14 crops, including soyabean, yam, potato, onion, tomato, rice, pepper, eggplant, plantain, banana, cotton, maize, groundnut, sorghum and cowpea.

Olufajo urged farmers to adopt the improved varieties and called on agricultural extension agents to inform farmers about the new developments.

The newly released chicken breed, known as Moorbeta, was developed by the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training in Ibadan.

According to the committee, the breed was approved for its high body weight at 10 weeks, good carcass quality and tolerance to heat stress.

The committee also approved several crop varieties developed by research institutions including the National Horticultural Research Institute, the National Root Crops Research Institute and the National Cereals Research Institute.

Among the new varieties are two plantain types known as HORTIPLAN 1 and HORTIPLAN 2, and two banana varieties called HORTIBAN 1 and HORTIBAN 2.

The meeting also approved new onion, tomato, rice, maize, groundnut, sorghum and cowpea varieties developed for improved yield, disease resistance and adaptability to different growing conditions.

Officials said the approvals followed reviews by technical sub-committees before final endorsement by the National Variety Release Committee.