IITA, JOSTUM release another high-yield cowpea variety

The Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM), in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA-CGIAR), has released a new cowpea variety to Nigerian farmers for commercialisation. Our correspondent reports that the new variety named FUAMPEA 5 (Alkam super) is a high-yielding striga-resistant variety with desirable seed and consumer sensory qualities for Nigerian farmers’ […]

The Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM), in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA-CGIAR), has released a new cowpea variety to Nigerian farmers for commercialisation.

Our correspondent reports that the new variety named FUAMPEA 5 (Alkam super) is a high-yielding striga-resistant variety with desirable seed and consumer sensory qualities for Nigerian farmers’ delight.

Professor Lucky Omoigui, a Plant Breeder and Seed System Specialist, who headed the team that achieved the feat stated in Makurdi on Friday, that the qualities of the new variety include high-yielding, striga-resistant, large-seed-size and short cooking time.

Omoigui noted that the release of the variety would increase farmers’ adoption and market acceptability of improved cowpea in Nigeria.

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He added, “The new variety, also known as Alkam super, was released through a collaborative effort between JOSTUM and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), with funding from the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

“The announcement was made at the 35th Meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breed/Fisheries held in Ibadan on 17 April 2025. The variety was released because of its remarkable attributes, such as high yield, resistance to Striga gesnerioides, tolerance to Bacterial blight, has light-brown seed coat texture, large seed size, short cooking time and adaptable to intercropping; and it meets the requirements of the farmers and consumers’ quality traits.”

According to him, the new variety had undergone several multi-locations and on-farm trials that spread across different agro-ecological zones in Nigeria (Makurdi in Benue State, Biu in Borno State, Zaria in Kaduna State, Mokwa in Niger State, Ganjwa in Bauchi State, and Abuja in the FCT).

Omoigui explained that FUAMPEA 5 has an impressive yield increase of 139 percent over the traditional landrace, ’Madara’, and a 39 percent yield increase over the current improved variety, SAMPEA 19.

“It is poised to make a real difference in farmers’ fields. The potential yield of the new variety is 2.9 tons/ha and has an indeterminate growth habit.

“This significant yield boost is expected to transform the lives of cowpea farmers in Nigeria, providing them with a more productive and resilient crop. In addition, the new variety possesses most of the quality traits desired by farmers and the market. The seed quality is attractive and appealing to consumers. 

“The variety is already gaining traction with farmers. The release of an improved cowpea variety widely accepted by farmers and customers will ensure the sustainability of cowpea production and productivity and significantly contribute to transforming Nigeria’s agri-food systems,” he posited.