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New high-yield yam varieties transform farming in Nigeria, benefiting seven states and FCT

In Nigeria, the introduction of enhanced yam varieties by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and CGIAR is transforming yam cultivation across several states, including Benue, Cross River, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. These varieties, known for their higher yields and resilience, are being adopted by local farmers, aiming to reverse the declining yam production trends caused by the scarcity of quality seed tubers and preferred varieties.

The IITA's Yam Breeding Program has been instrumental in this turnaround, embarking on the dissemination of these varieties at the close of the 2024 planting season. The initiative, which began with harvests at the IITA Headquarters in Ibadan and extended to various other regions, is part of a broader effort to enhance economic stability and food security through improved agronomic practices and the popularization of elite varieties such as Favorite, Super, Va yam, Akuabata, and Asiedu.

To support the adoption of these improved varieties, the IITA-Yam Improvement Program (IITA-YIP) conducted comprehensive training for farmers in 2024, covering seed production technologies, sustainable farming practices, and pest and disease management. This effort is aimed at fostering a community of seed producers and entrepreneurs, thereby strengthening seed systems, diversifying farming techniques, and ultimately improving livelihoods through responsible yam cultivation.

Source: IITA

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