Some maize farmers in northern part of Kaduna State are expecting bumper harvest this farming season, following the introduction TELA maize variety.
TELA maize is a new variety of seed noted for its high yields, drought and insect resistance.
The farmers, who spoke in Makarfi, Sabon Gari,and Soba Local Government Areas of the state, said the hybrid seed outperformed other local varieties in growth, pest resistance and overall productivity.
Malam Tajudeen Gambo, a farmer at Marke village in Makarfi, said he planted TELA variety seed on a 0.3-hectare plot, and observed a remarkable yields compared to the maize seed he had been cultivating in the last 15 years.
“I anticipate about 50 to 75 per cent increase in yields compared to the previous seasons.
“The crop resisted insects and performed excellently well. With this result, I’ll abandon other varieties and expand my farm with TELA maize next season,” he said.
He urged government at all levels to enhance farmer access to the new seed to encourage productivity, reduce poverty and strengthen food security.
Shu’aibu Mustapha, a maize grower at Maraban Gwanda community in Sabon Gari, said he cultivated
TELA maize on a quarter-hectare plot, following agronomic guidelines and extension agents’ advice.
“The variety grew faster, no pest attack and the stem not too tall to be affected by wind.
“Because of this, many neighbouring farmers have shown interest in planting it next season,” he said.
However, Adamu Haruna, another farmer at Bagaldi community in Soba, said he faced early challenges due to prolonged dry spell after planting, which affected the seed germination.
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“Despite the drought, the TELA seed still germinated better than other varieties would have, nearby farms nearby that planted other variety seeds faced attack by armyworm, but my TELA maize field was not affected,” he said.
Haruna said the new maize variety produced larger cobs than usual and attracted interest from other farmers in his area.
“Previously; I harvested about 10 bags from this same field, but this season I expect 15 to 17 bags,” he said. (NAN
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