Lagos Farmers Applaud Federal Approval of 57 Improved Crop Varieties to Secure Food Future

Lagos farmers welcome the FG’s approval of 57 improved crop varieties. Learn how these 14 staples aim to boost yields and combat climate change in Nigeria.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 10:29 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Strategic Shift Toward High Yield Cultivation

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos State Chapter, has expressed strong support for the Federal Government’s recent endorsement of 57 newly improved crop varieties. Sakin Agbayewa, the Lagos State AFAN Chairman, highlighted during a Wednesday interview that the focus of Nigerian agriculture must shift from mere planting to maximizing yields per plot. He noted that the introduction of these varieties is a mechanical necessity for achieving food security, as improved seeds allow farmers to produce significantly more on minimal land. This development is seen as a vital step in addressing the growing demand for food across the country’s urban and rural centers.

Diverse Staples for Nutritional Resilience

The approved list of crops spans 14 different types of staples, with significant advancements made in the genetic profiles of rice, maize, yam, soybean, and plantain. These varieties were specifically selected by the National Variety Release Committee for their ability to mature early and their inherent resistance to common pests and diseases. According to the federal mandate issued in March 2026, the goal of this initiative is not only to increase the volume of food available but also to improve the nutritional well-being of the Nigerian population by ensuring a more resilient and diverse agricultural output.

Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change

Local agricultural productivity has recently been hampered by inconsistent rainfall patterns, weather clashes, and the broader effects of climate change. Mr. Agbayewa emphasized that the development of these improved varieties serves as a technological buffer against these environmental uncertainties. By utilizing seeds that are better adapted to modern climatic shifts, farmers can maintain consistent productivity levels even when traditional weather patterns fail. The association believes that this proactive research approach is essential for curbing food shortages that could otherwise arise in the near future due to environmental stressors.