Ibadan, Nigeria — In a major push to tackle food insecurity and improve nutrition across the country, the Federal Government has unveiled a newly developed chicken breed alongside 57 high-yield crop varieties aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and meat availability.
The announcement was made at the 36th meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries, held in Ibadan and organised by the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the National Variety Release Committee, Soji Olufajo, said the approval followed extensive technical evaluations and recommendations from relevant sub-committees. He emphasized that the newly introduced innovations are expected to significantly enhance food production across Nigeria.
According to him, “the registration and release of the new chicken breed and the 57 high-yield varieties from 14 crops were based on recommendations from the technical sub-committees,” adding that the development presents an opportunity for farmers to improve yields and profitability. He urged farmers to embrace the improved seeds and breeding materials, noting that their adoption would strengthen national food systems and improve livelihoods.
Olufajo also called on agricultural extension workers to intensify awareness efforts, ensuring that farmers across the country are informed about the new varieties and how to access them. He further encouraged researchers, breeders, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector to sustain efforts toward innovation and development.
Central to the announcement is the introduction of a new locally developed chicken breed known as Moorbeta, described as a meat-type bird with strong production potential. The breed, developed by the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training in Ibadan, was approved for its high body weight at 10 weeks, good carcass quality, and ability to withstand heat stress, making it suitable for Nigeria’s climate.
Chairman of the livestock sub-committee, Prof. Waheed Akin-Hassan, noted that the development of Moorbeta reflects years of research aimed at improving indigenous poultry performance. He said the breed would be mass-produced due to its potential to boost meat supply and contribute to food security. He also commended animal geneticists and breeders for their contributions, describing the new breed as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s livestock development.
On the crop side, the 57 approved varieties span 14 different crops, including soyabean, yam, potato, onion, tomato, rice, pepper, eggplant, plantain, banana, cotton, maize, groundnut, sorghum, and cowpea. The selections were made after the crop sub-committee, chaired by Shehu Ado, reviewed 59 submissions and recommended 57 for final approval.
Among the notable releases are four Musa varieties developed by the National Horticultural Research Institute in Ibadan. These include two plantains, HORTIPLAN 1 and 2, and two bananas, HORTIBAN 1 and 2, all approved for their improved qualities. The plantain varieties were recognized for their heavy bunches, high carotenoid content, and suitability for boiling, frying, roasting, and flour production, while the banana varieties were noted for their sweet taste, thick peel, and large pulp size.
Other significant additions include a soyabean variety developed by YSJ Limited in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, praised for its high protein content and disease resistance. Two yam varieties from the National Root Crops Research Institute, developed in partnership with IITA, were also approved for their early maturity and excellent cooking qualities.
A potato variety named Connect was released for its large tubers and resistance to late blight, while six onion varieties developed by NIHORT were approved for their high pungency, large bulb size, and adaptability to both dry and wet seasons.
Similarly, five tomato varieties were released for their heat tolerance, early maturity, and ability to thrive under varying climatic conditions. The rice category saw the approval of five varieties, including FARO 73 and others developed by institutions such as the National Cereals Research Institute and international partners. These were recognized for their long grains, drought tolerance, and strong yield potential.
Additional approvals included one pepper variety and three eggplant varieties, all noted for early maturity and adaptability, alongside multiple maize, groundnut, sorghum, cowpea, and cotton varieties designed to improve productivity and resilience.
Experts at the meeting emphasized that the introduction of these varieties represents a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. By combining improved livestock breeds with climate-resilient and high-yield crops, the government aims to address food shortages, enhance nutrition, and reduce reliance on imports.
The initiative also underscores the growing role of research and innovation in transforming agriculture, as stakeholders continue to develop solutions tailored to Nigeria’s environmental and economic realities.
With the approval and release now secured, attention is expected to shift toward distribution, farmer adoption, and large-scale production, as the government and its partners work to translate these scientific advancements into tangible improvements in food security across the country.
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