Kaduna: Farmers participating in the Tela maize trial at Tomato Jos Farms, Kangimi, Igabi LGA Kaduna State, have hailed the seed variety for its impressive yield. The farmers also praised the seed for its resilience to pests and adaptability to low rainfall conditions. The farmers made the disclosure during a field visit organized by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), in collaboration with Tomato Jos Farms, in Kangimi Igabi LGA.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the farmers, who took part in the one-hectare demonstration coordinated by Tomato Jos and AATF, said the new maize variety had outperformed expectations despite the dry spell experienced during the 2025 farming season. Malama Hindatu Bala, a female farmer from Halilu Road, Maraban Jos, Igabi LGA, noted that the maize seed she planted on her quarter-hectare plot showed strong performance in growth, pest resistance, and cob size. Bala expressed satisfaction with the reduced need for pest control and the seed’s resilience to limited rainfall, prompting her to consider expanding her farm next season. She added that many female farmers in her area were eager to adopt Tela maize but were constrained by its high cost, appealing to the government and stakeholders to make the seed more affordable.
Similarly, Musa Aliyu, another participant, reported that the variety germinated well and matured quickly, showing strong growth even under dry conditions. Aliyu highlighted that while neighboring farmers struggled with pests, his Tela maize remained unaffected, leading him to anticipate a substantial harvest. He mentioned growing interest among local farmers in adopting Tela maize for the next planting season.
Mr. Emmanuel Omale, Farms Operations Manager at Tomato Jos, stated that the farm’s collaboration with AATF was aimed at promoting sustainable and productive agriculture for smallholder farmers. Omale emphasized the introduction of smart and resilient agricultural inputs through partnerships, which could make farming easier, more affordable, and sustainable. He noted that the four smallholder farmers involved in the trial confirmed its high yield and pest resistance, with plans to encourage wider adoption in the next season.
Mr. Taiwo Kayode, Technical Agronomist at Golden Fertilizer, emphasized the promising results of the collaboration with AATF, noting the strong synergy between the Tela maize seed and Golden Fertilizer. He urged the government to improve security in farming areas to encourage increased production.
Mr. Olawale Ojo, Hybrid Seed Market Development Manager at AATF, stated that the foundation was working to dispel misconceptions surrounding Tela maize and to build farmers’ confidence in adopting the improved seed variety.