Livestock: 8 pasture varieties underway after 48 years
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, through the National Animal Production Research Institution (NAPRI), Shika, Zaria in Kaduna State, has submitted eight varieties of pasture for registration, release and certification. The varieties include six grass and two legume varieties. The pasture varieties for grass are brachiaria ruziziensis, chloris gayana (Rhode grass), sorghum almum (Sudan grass), […]
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, through the National Animal Production Research Institution (NAPRI), Shika, Zaria in Kaduna State, has submitted eight varieties of pasture for registration, release and certification. The varieties include six grass and two legume varieties.
The pasture varieties for grass are brachiaria ruziziensis, chloris gayana (Rhode grass), sorghum almum (Sudan grass), andropogon gayanus (Gambia grass), Panicum mumbasa (Mumbasa grass) and pennisetum purpureum (Napier grass
The other two varieties for ‘legume forage’ are Mucuna pruriens and lablab purpureus
This is a milestone for the FMLD, the first time in the last 48 years that pasture varieties would be registered and released by any ministry, department or agency.
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This brings the number to a total of 10 varieties now registered and released for increased livestock production in the country. Stylosanthes and centrosema had earlier been registered and released.
The National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries met at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Ibadan, Oyo State, to consider submissions for crop varietal registration and release.
The registration and release is a game changer for the pasture and fodder value chain and for the national seed system, as well as targeted transformation of the livestock sector. The registration and release would further boost investors’ confidence in the pasture and fodder value chain, thereby attracting investment in feed, pasture and fodder, both for the domestic market and export.
Official registration and certification of pasture seeds ensure the quality, purity and genetic identity of the seed, benefitting farmers, livestock producer, 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.