IITA releases new drought-resistant cowpea for planting

Farmers are excited as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is set to release a new variety of cowpea that is drought resistant and tolerant to stringa and fusarium wilt, common fungal diseases that hinder crop production. IITA’s seed system specialist, Professor Lucky Omoigui, at a stakeholders’ workshop and planning meeting in Kano on […]

Farmers are excited as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is set to release a new variety of cowpea that is drought resistant and tolerant to stringa and fusarium wilt, common fungal diseases that hinder crop production.

IITA’s seed system specialist, Professor Lucky Omoigui, at a stakeholders’ workshop and planning meeting in Kano on the implementation of the project to commercialise climate-resilient cowpea varieties, unveiled the new variety named ‘Alkam Super,’ which he said is a high-yielding crop, good for intercropping in Northern Guinea Savannah (NGS) and Southern Guinea Savannah (SGS).

He said Nigeria is a major producer and consumer of cowpeas, accounting for 48 percent of the world’s production. Cowpea is a legume in the dry and hot regions of the world, particularly West Africa, where it is an important source of dietary protein.

However, climate change is negatively affecting crop production and impeding food security attributable to severe drought and erratic rainfall.

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Omoigui said, “The challenges of low yield because of pests and diseases, drought, and erratic rainfall would be addressed by the new improved cowpea variety, a very versatile crop and a major source of protein for the Nigerian population.”

He said the variety, with an 85-day maturity period and with a yield potential of 2.7 tons per hectare, would be released to farmers before the cropping season, noting that IITA is partnering with stakeholders to fast-track the release and commercialisation of the elite improved cowpea variety.

He said because seed alone cannot solve the problems of farmers, the meeting will strive to strengthen the skills of farmers, seed producers, and the community to improve production practice and ensure sustainable food systems with value addition along the Chain.

Muhammad Ndapoji Abdullahi, a farmer from Mokwa, Niger State, said he is very excited about the new variety and is looking forward to its release to farmers.

“We have demand for cowpeas from the South West, but pests and diseases have been our challenge, and so I am excited about this improved variety,” said Abdullahi.

Another farmer, Ibrahim Haruna from Tafawa Balewa in Bauchi State, said the new variety would be a game changer for farmers as it would make food available and improve their income.

Alkam Super is expected to be released soon after approval of the variety release committee.

Farmers from Kano, Bauchi, Benue and Niger states attended the meeting.