On 4 October 2025, the IITA Research Farm in Shika, Samaru, Zaria, came alive with activities as researchers, seed company representatives (Premier Seeds, EcoBasics Seed, Value Seed, Techni Seeds, and other partners like Olam, Nigeria Flour Mills, gathered for a field walk to experience the impact of research first-hand. Rows of lush soybean, maize, and cowpea plants stretched across the fields, drawing participants into an immersive experience of agricultural innovation and collaboration.
The event, hosted by Professor Lucky Omoigui, IITA’s seed systems specialist, served as a platform to showcase IITA’s new and improved crop varieties and to strengthen partnerships with seed companies working to bring these innovations to Nigerian farmers.
“This field walk is about ensuring continuity, making sure that farmers always have access to quality seeds,” Prof Omoigui told participants as he led the group through the plots. “That access to quality seeds begins from the early stages of seed production.”
In his remarks, Prof Omoigui commended seed companies that have consistently partnered with IITA on early-generation seed production and encouraged even broader participation across Nigeria’s diverse agroecologies.
As the group toured the fields, participants observed the performance of various soybean varieties, including TGx 1951-3F, TGx 1904-6F, TGx 1448-2E, TGx 2020-4F, and TGx 2029-27F, as well as the new varieties released in 2025 (TGx 2029-27F and TGx 2029-53F). Prof. Omoigui explained how older but popular varieties, such as TGx 1448–2E, are being gradually replaced with newer, climate-smart options that meet both farmer and market demands.
Discussions in the field were lively. Participants exchanged observations about how factors such as light intensity, soil moisture, and disease pressure influence plant growth and yield. The walk provided a firsthand view of how environmental conditions shape variety of performance, insights crucial for informed seed production planning.
Beyond agronomy, the field walk underscored the importance of market-driven seed production. Prof Omoigui highlighted that while farmers may value varieties with high biomass for soil improvement, processors often prioritize seed quality for oil extraction or flour production.
“Every stakeholder along the value chain matters,” he said. “When we understand what farmers, processors, and consumers want, we can promote varieties that are profitable and sustainable for everyone.”
He also shared IITA’s success in developing a Striga-resistant large brown cowpea variety, bred to replace the widely preferred but Striga-susceptible Borno Brown. He explained that this innovation reflects IITA’s commitment to “balancing the equation,” and meeting market demand, while ensuring productivity and resilience for farmers.
At the end of the tour, Dr Afolabi, speaking on behalf of the seed companies, commended IITA and Prof Omoigui for their dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s seed system. He praised the visible progress achieved in developing improved varieties and reaffirmed partners’ commitment to continued collaboration.
In his closing remarks, Prof Omoigui thanked the participants for their active engagement and reaffirmed IITA’s openness to partnerships, feedback, and innovation. “Our doors remain open,” he said. “Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more inclusive seed system for Nigeria and beyond.”
The 2025 field walk showcased IITA’s latest crop varieties and reaffirmed the Institute’s role as a driving force in strengthening Africa’s seed sector. Participants left the farm with renewed enthusiasm and deeper insight into the future of seed systems, one rooted in science, collaboration, and shared growth.
Contributed by Sarah Sallau
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