Monsanto Nigeria Launches 3 Conventional Maize Hybrids

Maize farmers across Nigeria now have 3 high yielding conventional maize hybrids to choose from the DEKALB ® brand as Monsanto Agriculture Nigeria Limited launches 3 conventional maize hybrids. The launch held in Abuja on Tuesday May 17 2016 had in attendance farmers, development partners, government regulatory bodies and other stakeholders from both the private and public sectors of the economy.

The launch of these hybrid seeds follows their registration by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries in February 2016.

The white maize hybrid, DK234 alongside the 2 yellow maize hybrids, DK920 and DK818 obtained registration approval for use in Nigeria after testing across various agro ecological zones on multi-location farms.

The white maize hybrid DK234 with yield potential of 13 tonnes per hectare is well adapted for the Southern and Northern Guinea Savanna ecologies and shows tolerance to Maize Streak Virus, rust and Striga hermonthica

The yellow maize hybrids DK920 and DK818 both have yield potential of 10 tonnes per hectare and are adapted for the South and Northern Guinea Savanna ecologies. The two yellow hybrids are also tolerant to maize streak virus, rust, leaf blight, curvularia leaf spot, and Striga hermonthica. 

As a long term strategic investor and partner in the country’s agricultural industry, Monsanto Nigeria aligned with the government policy of promoting local seed production. Monsanto Nigeria engaged over 300 Nigeria small holder farmers in Hadejia Local Government Jigawa State, Nigeria to produce her first batch of DK234, DK818 and DK920 under dry season planting, and the company provided the farmers with necessary inputs supported by a guaranteed by-back scheme in place.                

The introduction of DEKALB ® maize hybrids in the country will assist Nigerian farmers optimize their production, earnings and ultimately increase profitability.