ICRISAT Showcases Climate-Smart Millets and Organizes a Seed Fair in Kano, Nigeria
ICRISAT's innovations capture interest at Nigeria's Open Day Exhibition
Emerging markets, population growth, and climate change are shaping Nigeria's agriculture. Consequently, there is a growing demand for advanced technologies to improve productivity.
On 30 May 2024, ICRISAT showcased innovative climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive technologies at a major exhibition organized by the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) Bayero University Kano. The exhibition aimed to link 22 farming communities with climate-resilient seeds and agro-inputs to boost smallholder productivity.
Led by Country Representative Dr Angarawai Ignatius, ICRISAT's Nigeria team presented micronutrient-rich, early-maturing sorghum and pearl millet varieties tailored for Northern Nigeria's Sudan-Sahelian agroecologies. Nutrient-rich products from cereals and legumes, such as doughnuts, cakes, and cookies, were also showcased at the expo.
Alongside the exhibition, ICRISAT organized a four-day seed and input fair under the Kano State Agro Pastoral Development Project (KSADP), funded by the Islamic Development Bank with support from the Lives and Livelihoods Fund. This fair aimed to provide farmers with direct access to certified seed companies and agro-input producers.
"Good planting seasons begin with quality seeds and inputs. This fair links farmers to essential resources, ensuring better harvests," said Dr Angarawai.
Malam Ibrahim Gama, KSADP State Project Coordinator, commended ICRISAT's efforts and noted significant seed and input provision investments to address climate change impacts.
"The State Government is committed to boosting farmers' production capacity and will relentlessly pursue improved agricultural status," declared Kano State Governor, Mr Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Companies like Modern Agriculture and Allied Services and Techni Seeds introduced climate-resilient, early-maturing seed varieties, especially dwarf sorghum and micronutrient-rich pearl millet variety LCICMV5 (Chakti).
"Given the climate change situation, we are introducing farmers to drought-resistant seeds that mature in 60-65 days and yield more than traditional varieties," said Ms Latifat Ajeigbe, Managing Director of Modern Agriculture and Allied Services.
Academic leaders from Bayero University Kano, Professor Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin, Director of CDA, and Professor Sani Muhammad Gumel, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, commended the successful partnership with ICRISAT and stressed the importance of encouraging women and youth to participate. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, emphasized the importance of education and innovation in advancing agriculture.
The event underscored a collaborative effort to transform agriculture through knowledge sharing and adopting climate-smart practices.
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This work aligns with SDGs 13 and 17.
