The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has submitted eight pasture types for registration, release, and certification. This has been done through the National Animal Production Research Institution (NAPRI) in Shika, Zaria.
This effort comes 48 years after the country first documented such an initiative.
According to a Ministry statement, the registration and release were significant events for the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development because it was the first time any MDA had registered and distributed pasture types in the previous 48 years.
The varieties classified under grass and legumes include Brachiaria ruziziensis, Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass), Sorghum almum (Sudan grass), Andropogon gayanus (Gamba grass), Panicum mumbasa (Mumbasa grass), Pennisetum purpureum and Napier grass. Legume forage includes Mucuna pruriens and Lablab purpureus.
“The names were submitted to the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries, which met at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology in Ibadan from 15-17 April, 2025, to consider submissions for crop varietal registration and release.
“This brings the total to 10 varieties now registered and released for increased livestock production in the country, recalling that Stylosanthes and Centrosema had earlier been registered and released,” the statement added.
The registration and release are game changers for the pasture and fodder value chain and the national seed system. They also target the transformation of the livestock sector and would further boost investors’ confidence in the pasture and fodder value chain, thereby attracting investment in feed, pasture, and fodder for the domestic market and for exports.
The Ministry explains that pasture seeds’ official registration and certification ensure their quality, purity, and genetic identity, benefiting farmers, livestock producers, and the environment.
“Certified seeds guarantee a higher germination rate, vigour, and freedom from contaminants like weed seeds, pests, and diseases. This leads to more reliable pasture establishment, healthier forage, and improved livestock productivity”, it added.
It further stated that “certification verifies that seeds meet specific standards of purity, germination, and vigour, ensuring a high-quality pasture and that seeds are what they are claimed to be, preventing disappointment from incorrect variety selection.”
However, it added that “certification reduces the risk of weed and pest infestation: It improves pasture establishment and productivity, increases market value, protects investment/ Environment, prevents weed spread, and conserves biodiversity.”
Source: Business Day
Image Credit: FreePik
