The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan has distributed over one metric tonne of new maize variety to farmers in some selected local government areas, farm settlements and villages in Oyo State.
Leader of the IAR&T maize distribution team, Dr. Olugbenga Egbetokun who spoke with journalists recently during the distribution of new maize variety called ART98SWY1, to farmers in Atiba and Oyo East Local Government areas and those at the IAR&T adopted village, Oniyo Eleruwa village in Orire Local Government explained that the distribution was to ensure that young people key into farming in order to avert an outbreak of food scarcity in the state and in the country in general.
Egbetokun hinted that the target was to distribute atleast 500 young maize farmers in the state.
His statement reads, “the seed distribution exercise embarked upon by the institute is to empower farmers especially youths with the new variety of maize.
“The name of this variety is ART/98/SW1-Y. Meaning that it is a yellow material and the maturity period is 75 days which is 2 and half months. It contains protein which every human being need for proper functioning of nerve and general metabolism and it is very good for lactating mothers, children and even for the aged ones.
“That is why we went out to distribute and give it to farmers. We have been to Tede in Atisbo Local Government, we have been to Iseyin in Iseyin Local Government, we have been to Saki in Saki West Local Government, we have been to Oyo East and Atiba Local Government, we have been to Orire Local Government in Ogbomoso. Then again to Ibarapa East and to Bakatari in Ido Local Government all in Oyo State.
“This is to empower youths in production of maize and ensure food sufficiency.
He continued,” so far we have target to distribute one metric tonne of this variety to maize farmers who are youth and women, in each of the zone according to categorisation of ADP in Oyo State, we are picking 50, 50 young farmers and women in the zone and we are giving them 2 KG of this variety. 2 KG each to farmers.
“So far we have target to distribute to 500 young farmers who are maize farmers.
The team leader was accompanied by the Seed Officers of IAR&T, Dr. Julius Olasoji; Mrs. Folake Anjorin and the Head of Public Relations Unit of the institute Mr. Adeniyi Amusat and other staff of the institute
