The Lagos chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has welcomed the Federal Government’s approval of 57 new crop varieties aimed at improving agricultural productivity.
Speaking in Lagos, the state chairman of AFAN, Sakin Agbayewa, said the move is a positive step for farmers, especially at a time when increasing food production is becoming more urgent.
The Federal Government approved the new crop varieties in March 2026, and the crops are designed to mature faster, produce higher yields, and resist pests and diseases.
They cover 14 staple crops, including rice, maize, yams, soybeans, and plantains.
Agbayewa said improved seeds are key to solving low farm output, noting that yield matters more than just the size of the farmland.
According to him, a farmer with a small plot can achieve better results than someone with larger land if they use improved seedlings.
He described the development as timely, adding that better crop varieties could help reduce food shortages and improve overall food security.
However, he stressed that many farmers are still unaware of the new varieties and called for stronger awareness campaigns.
Agbayewa also pointed to ongoing challenges such as climate change, irregular rainfall and changing weather patterns, which continue to affect farm yields.
He said improved crop varieties can help farmers adapt to these challenges and maintain stable production.
He further urged the government and stakeholders to promote the new varieties widely so farmers can benefit from them.
Agbayewa added that the development shows growing local research capacity and called for more investment in agricultural research.
He noted that with more locally developed solutions, farmers would feel more confident about the safety and impact of new crop technologies.
