Farmers, seed companies embark on GM cowpea trials for certified seeds

Almost a year after the official registration and release of genetically modified cowpea at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan by Institute for Agricultural Research Institute (IAR), the multiplication trial of the new improved variety into foundation and certified seeds has now been embarked upon by 53 farmers and seed companies across the states in a day training conducted by IAR scientists and African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AAFT).

 This was contained in a press release made available to Food Farm News by the communication officer of AAFT, West and Central Africa Mr. Alex Abutu.

The statement quoted the Executive Director, IAR, Prof. Ishaku Mohammed as saying that the demonstration trail was a platform through which farmers would be exposed to firsthand knowledge potential trait of the Bt cowpea variety ability to give resistant to pod borer, added that “this trial is to get the buy-in of farmers who have waited for many years for this technology”.

It was stated that the one day on farm demonstration was an arrangement between the IAR, Zaria and AATF to raise farmers’ awareness on the new GM borer resistant cowpea variety commercialized as SAMPEA-20-T. The farmers and extension officers involved come from Bauchi, Jigawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Katisna, Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Niger and FCT, Abuja.

The press release also quoted Dr. Lawan Umar, the PBR cowpea Trial Manager saying that the objective of the demonstration was to have a general understanding of the improved variety, and to provide an ideal opportunity for cowpea growers to learn about sustainable farming practices for PBR cowpea.

He added that '’It is important to train farmers on the basic techniques needed to grow PBR cowpea (SAMPEA-20-T) for maximum yield, equip participating extension agents on proper ways of guiding farmers on field management of PBR cowpea and equip both farmers and Extension Agents on the stewardship for PBR cowpea’’

Also, in the press release, Dr Francis Onyekachi, AATF Stewardship Manager urged the farmers to follow the stewardship programme designed for the PBR Cowpea, saying that “Compliance with the stewardship plan is a task for everyone and it is designed to ensure benefits for both the technology owner and grower. The objective is sustainability and durability of a product lifespan”

The nationwide demonstration trial is meant to produce both foundation and certified seed. The seed companies participating in the seed multiplication programme will be able to use the foundation seed produced to grow sufficient seeds for farmers to use during the 2021 farming season.