Maize |
At a time when tomato scarcity has continued to rage
due to a pest called Tuta absoluta, a new disease has been uncovered in
the South-west geopolitical zone of the country.
This time, it is a maize disease, according to the Institute of
Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan.
The IAR&T which is the zonal coordinating research institute in
the South-west in a statement issued by the Head of Public Relations
Unit, Mr. Adeniyi Amusat, declared that an uncommon pest/disease is
presently ravaging maize on the field in the South-west agro-ecological
zone of Nigeria which may likely lead to scarcity of maize in the
region.
The disease, according to THISDAY findings, has rendered many
hectares of maize plantations this year malnourished and in some
instances, stunted and yellowish, without maize buds for eventual
harvest. Many farmers are lamenting the development, describing it “as
an unprecedented phenomenon in recent years.”
But the institute, while calling on all stakeholders to
aggressively address the looming danger maintained that if not checked
there may be scarcity/shortage of maize as experienced with tomato
recently.
The statement noted that the new discovery portends serious danger
for production and consumption of maize in the nation as it forms larger
percentage of livestock feeds formulation especially in poultry.
It however assured that IAR&T which is the institute saddled
with maize production mandate in the region is already setting machinery
in motion to control the menace.
The statement read: “This is to inform members of the public that
an uncommon pest/disease is presently ravaging maize on the field in the
South-west agro – ecological zone of Nigeria. Consequently, if not
checked there may be scarcity/shortage of maize as experienced with
tomato recently.”
According to the statement,” This portends serious danger for the
nation as maize is an important staple food for the country and forms
larger percentage of live stock feeds formulation especially in poultry.
IAR&T is the institute saddled with maize production mandate in
South-west Nigeria and the institute has already set machinery in motion
to control the menace.”
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