Nasarawa: Sasakawa Africa charges farmers to adopt new technology in maize, soyabean production

Nasarawa: Sasakawa Africa charges farmers to adopt new technology in maize, soyabean production
Mohammed Yangida.

The Sasakawa Africa Association, (SAA) has tasked farmers in Nasarawa state to adopt new technology in Maize and Soyabeans for market improvement and production.

The Nigeria Country Director of Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), Dr Godwin Atser, represented by Nathaniel Otene Technical Coordinator for Climate resilient and Agric food system Sasakawa made the charge in an interview with journalists on Thursday, in Obi local government area of Nasarawa state.

He explained that with climate change affecting the entire agricultural system, there is a need for varieties that can withstand extreme weather conditions that smallholder farmers are facing.

He said SAA’s interventions in Nigeria is focused on regenerative agriculture, market-oriented agriculture, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, capacity building, digital extension and inclusion.

Atser stressed that the organisation was also intensifying efforts to promote improved seed varieties, climate change adaptation, youth participation and livestock development.

“The organization’s primary focus is enhancing farmer productivity, since productivity gains translate directly into higher income and improved livelihoods for small holder farmers.

“The organization positions itself as a bridge between research institutes and smallholder farmers, gathering information on new releases that are drought-tolerant, high-yielding, and resistant to pests and disease”

“On the demonstration plot, the team is promoting SAMMAZ 52 (variety name to be confirmed), a biofortified maize variety rich in vitamin A that benefits children under five and breastfeeding mothers, and which is also high-yielding.

Speaking, Program Officer, Market-Oriented Agriculture, for Inclusive Market and Agribusiness Development Mr. Jonathan Yassah, said Sasakawa Africa is planning to make sure that farmers access improved seeds in their communities instead of going to cities before getting it.

“For this half-hectare, we give the farmer complete inputs.
And you will agree with me that seed contributes about 50% of the yield of any crop”

“And we are promoting QPM—Quality Protein Maize—that is SAMMAZ 27, which has two amino acids: lysine and tryptophan that is lacking in most maize grains. Lysine and tryptophan help in block building of our muscles and it is proteinous. So it will supplement the lack of meat we are experiencing in Nigeria now”.

Responding, Audu Sunday Anzaku,one of the farmers in Tudun Adabu community said the training they received has enabled them to practise farming using modern techniques that they can be proud of and that meet international standards.