Kogi commences free distribution of new maize varieties to farmers

The Kogi government on Wednesday commenced free distribution of 20,000 tonnes of new maize varieties to farmers in the state.

The state governor, Idris Wada, said at the launch of the distribution in Lokoja that the new two maize varieties were high yielding and mature within 90 days of planting.

He described the new maize varieties as major breakthrough for the country in view of dramatic change in climate, saying the 20,000 tonnes to be distributed to farmers would yield 1.2 million tonnes of maize.

He ordered that the management of the state Agricultural Development Project (ADP), charged with the responsibility of the distribution, should ensure that the maize was distributed across the 21 local government councils in the state.

Wada said that the government had decided to commit more funds to the sector and to provide modern equipment to farmers to boost food production and achieve food security for all.

The governor also said that the state would take steps to consolidate its position as the number one producer of cassava and cashew in the country, explaining that government intended to make agriculture attractive to reduce unemployment and create wealth for farmers.

The Managing Director of ADP, Prof. Dominic Akpa, said that the new maize varieties, SAMMAZ20 white and BR-99-DMR yellow, would replace the indigenous maize used over the years but with low yield.

He said that the foundation maize seeds were actually cultivated by farmers in the state on the order of the Federal Government through the West African Agricultural Productivity Programme ( WAAPP), saying that the new seeds were produced to specifications under the strict supervision of WAAP.

He urged farmers to follow laid down protocol in maize production in order to maximize profits.

A maize farmer, Mr Francis Oyibo, commended the governor for making food security a priority but urged the government to be fair and just in the distribution of the maize.

He also expressed happiness over the buy-back price offered to farmers in 2014 and pleaded that the price be reviewed upward to further create wealth for farmers in the state.

Oyibo also urged government to back up the free distribution of the new maize varieties with supply of fertilizers and agro chemicals for sustainable performance.

(NAN)