ABU develops cowpea varieties to resist rain shortfall

The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has discovered two cowpea varieties that could withstand short rainfall.

A professor, geneticist and plant breeder with the Institute, MuhammaduIshiyaku, said that Nigerian farmers could plant Sampea 10 and 8, cowpea varieties that have earliest maturing features.
According to Mr.Ishiyaku, a solution has been provided for farmers in Nigeria against the warning by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), that there would be less rainfall and extreme weather condition across most parts of Nigeria in 2014.

“If farmers plant Sampea 10 and 8, cowpea varieties that have been developed by IAR to mature earlier, the warning by NIMET, especially as it affects cowpea production, could be averted,” he said.
He added that Sampea 10 matures in between 60 and 65 days and Sampea 8 matures in 55 days. “These varieties are resistant to heat and lack of or minimal rainfall.Sampea 10 is also resistant to striga.”

In an early warning this year, the Director-General of NIMET, Anthony Anuforom, predicted that South-East and South-West region may experience delayed onset of rainfall while certain other areas would have low comfort index because of the incessant increment in global weather temperature.    The DG also advised farmers to plant crops varieties that have early maturing features.