In a significant move toward strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector and improving food security, the Federal Government has announced the release of two new chicken breeds and 14 high yield crop varieties. This development, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and nutrition, was revealed during the 34th meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds, and Fisheries.
The Chairman of the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC), Prof. Soji Olufajo, led the meeting, which brought together a team of researchers, geneticists, scientists, and breeders. These new additions to Nigeria's agriculture are expected to increase both crop yields and poultry production, thus contributing to improved nutrition and food security across the nation.
The two newly approved chicken breeds are the Noiler and Cobb 500. The Noiler is a locally developed, dual-purpose breed suited for both meat and egg production, making it an ideal choice for small- and medium scale farmers. The Cobb 500, on the other hand, is a breed specifically developed for meat production. These chickens, with their higher yield potential, will provide farmers with more efficient options to meet the growing demand for poultry in Nigeria.
In addition to the chicken breeds, 14 high yield crop varieties were released, covering a range of staple and cash crops, including wheat, barley, maize, cassava, rice, castor, and conchorus. These crops were selected based on their potential to deliver higher yields, improve farmers’ productivity, and provide better food security. These new crop varieties were among the 19 varieties initially submitted to the technical sub-committee led by Prof. S. Ado. After thorough examination, 14 varieties were recommended and later approved by the NVRC.
During the 9th meeting on Wednesday, the technical sub-committee, chaired by Prof. Waheed Akin-Hassan, also reviewed the two chicken breeds submitted. Following extensive discussion and careful consideration, the committee gave its nod to Noiler and Cobb 500, ultimately recommending them for final approval by the NVRC.
This step aligns with Nigeria’s broader agricultural goals, which include boosting local food production, reducing dependency on imports, and promoting agricultural self-sufficiency. The adoption of improved crop varieties and animal breeds is a critical part of this strategy, enabling farmers to maximize productivity with resources tailored to local conditions.
As the NVRC and its sub committees continue to research and release innovative agricultural solutions, Nigeria moves closer to realizing a more sustainable and resilient food system. These recent approvals mark a positive step toward achieving these goals, providing Nigerian farmers with tools that support higher yields, better nutrition, and more profitable farming ventures.
By fostering these advancements, the Federal Government demonstrates its commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector. With improved poultry and crop resources, the hope is that these efforts will not only boost productivity but also address nutrition and economic needs, contributing to a stronger agricultural economy.