Bayer intensifies maize yield research in Nigeria

PHARMACEUTICALS giant, Bayer AG, is intensifying its maize research with emphasis on increased yield in Nigeria.

  The programme which is being run on Bayer’s ‘Much More Maize’ toolkit will be anchored by its subsidiary in the country, Bayer Nigeria to avail maize consumers with dekalb that is a quality hybrid maize seed and lagon  that is a selective pre-emergence herbicide specifically designed for maize and cassava, and decis that  is a protective herbicide option as well as belt expert, a highly effective crop protection product.

  President of Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Bello Abubakar Annur, disclosed this at the just-concluded third edition of Nigeria Maize Conference which held virtually in Abuja.

  According to him, the challenges facing maize production and the inadequate supply of certified seeds in Nigeria acted as catalysts that motivated Bayer’s interest in Nigeria Maize Conference in Nigeria.

  “Nigeria needs to aim higher in maize production and we expect more investment in agriculture and with such investment, we don’t expect anything less than higher produce, and increase in maize production to bridge the gap in both industrial and local consumption,” he said.

  Commenting on how maize production could be increased through good agronomic practices, the Market Development Regional Manager, Bayer Crop Science in sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. David Wangila, said the firm introduced  integrated maize portfolio and hybrid seeds as solutions while adding that the hybrid seeds have the yield potential of up to 10.9 tonnes per hectare and are also tolerant to striga, leaf diseases, Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) and the maize streak virus.

  It will be recalled that although Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) banned maize importation in an effort to boost local production, industry stakeholders have expressed fears that Nigeria may not reach its full potential in terms of maize production..