FG Releases Two New Chicken Breeds, 14 High-Yield Crop Varieties to Boost Agriculture

The Federal Government has officially released two new chicken breeds and 14 new high-yield crop varieties. The announcement came during the 34th National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds, and Fisheries, held Thursday in Abuja.

The National Variety Release Committee (NVRC), led by its chairman, Professor Soji Olufajo, confirmed the release following extensive assessments by expert sub-committees. These new breeds and crop varieties are expected to drive agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and support improved nutrition for Nigerians.

Professor Olufajo elaborated on the committee’s decision, noting that both the two chicken breeds and the new crop varieties were approved based on recommendations from technical sub-committees composed of geneticists, breeders, and scientists. “The addition of these breeds and crops aligns with our national goals to increase agricultural output and nutritional diversity,” he said.

The newly approved chicken breeds, the Noiler and Cobb 500, cater to different needs within Nigeria’s poultry industry. The Noiler, a dual-purpose breed, is locally developed for both meat and egg production, offering resilience suited to local farming conditions. The Cobb 500, meanwhile, is a specialized meat-producing breed known for high yield and efficiency.

On the crop front, the 14 new varieties include wheat, barley, maize, cassava, rice, castor, and conchorus, each selected for their high yield potential and suitability to Nigerian farming environments. The new crops were finalized after deliberations led by Prof. S. Ado, who chairs the sub-committee that meticulously reviewed 19 candidate varieties, recommending 14 for final approval.

Dr. Anthony Okere, director of the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), expressed optimism that these developments would significantly advance Nigeria’s agricultural capacity. “This release is a key step towards achieving food sufficiency,” he stated, urging farmers to adopt these new varieties to increase crop quality and yield with minimal stress.