Institute detects new maize disease in S/West, raises alarm of looming food scarcity

An uncommon pest disease is presently ravaging maize on the field in the Southwest agro-ecological zone of Nigeria which may likely lead to shortage of maize in the region, the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, has alerted the nation. Raising the alarm on the strange discovery in a signed statement […]

An uncommon pest disease is presently ravaging maize on the field in the Southwest agro-ecological zone of Nigeria which may likely lead to shortage of maize in the region, the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, has alerted the nation.
Raising the alarm on the strange discovery in a signed statement over the weekend, the IAR&T which is the zonal coordinating research institute in the Southwest called on all stakeholders to aggressively address the looming danger warning that if not checked there may be scarcity/shortage of maize as experienced with tomato recently.
In the statement signed by its Head of Public Relations Unit, Mr. Adeniyi Amusat, the institute expressed concern that the new discovery portends serious danger for production and consumption of maize in the nation as it forms larger percentage of livestock feeds formulation especially in poultry.
It however assured that IAR&T which is the institute saddled with maize production mandate in the region is already setting machinery in motion to control the menace.
The statement read in part:  “This is to inform members of the public that an uncommon pest/disease is presently ravaging maize on the field in the Southwest agro-ecological zone of Nigeria.
“Consequently, if not checked there may be scarcity/shortage of maize as experienced with tomato recently. This portends serious danger for the nation as maize is an important staple for the country and forms larger percentage of livestock feeds formulation especially in poultry.
“IAR&T is the institute saddled with maize production mandate in S/West Nigeria and the institute has already set machinery in motion to control the menace.”