The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled two new chicken breeds and 14 high-yield crop varieties aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the nutritional status of its citizens. This announcement was made on Thursday during the 34th meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds, and Fisheries.

Chairing the meeting was Professor Soji Olufajo, who oversees the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC). The session was attended by committee members, researchers, geneticists, scientists, and breeders, all dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural goals.

Professor Olufajo detailed that the introduction of the two new chicken breeds—Noiler and Cobb 500—along with the new crop varieties was based on recommendations from two technical sub-committees. The high-yield crops include wheat, barley, maize, cassava, rice, castor, and corchorus.

At a preceding meeting, the technical sub-committee chaired by Professor S. Ado reviewed 19 crop varieties, ultimately recommending 14 for final approval by the NVRC. Similarly, during its ninth meeting, another sub-committee led by Professor Waheed Akin-Hassan evaluated the two new chicken breeds, determining that the Noiler is a locally developed dual-purpose breed while the Cobb 500 is primarily bred for meat production.

Following thorough discussion and scrutiny of the recommendations, the NVRC officially registered and released the new chicken breeds and crop varieties. Professor Olufajo emphasized that these breeds are already in the hands of end users, including poultry farmers, consumers, and researchers, with this announcement serving to formalize their status.

In his remarks, Dr. Anthony Okere, Director of the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), expressed optimism that these new varieties would significantly enhance food sufficiency in Nigeria. He urged farmers to adopt the newly released crops to increase both quality and quantity of production with minimal effort.

Dr. Okere also acknowledged the contributions of research institutions and organizations that facilitated the successful hosting of the meeting, reinforcing a collaborative approach to agricultural advancement in the country.