The Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), ABU, Zaria, has released three varieties of brown oats as part of its contribution to agricultural innovation.
The Oat (Avena sativa) sometimes called the common oat, is a species of cereal grain grown for its seed, which is known by the same name.
Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. They're a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants.
The three new oat varieties - SAMOAT 3, SAMOAT 4, and SAMOAT 5 - were unveiled during a recent field day held at the institute's research farm in Zaria.
It could be recalled that the institute had earlier released two improved cultivars named SAMOAT 1 and SAMOAT 2 after getting the nod in January 2022, at the 34th meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries that was held at the National Centre for Generic Re-sources and Biotechnology, Ibadan.
That has made the IAR Samaru, in collaboration with Context Global Development, United States, the first to develop and release Nigerian oat cultivars for commercial cul-tivation.
Unveiling the latest breakthrough, Prof. Ado Yusuf, Executive Director, IAR said "The occasion marked a significant milestone in our journey towards enhancing crop productivity and sustainability.
"It is also a testament to our commitment to advancing crop breeding and genetic im-provement," he said.
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Represented by Prof. Aisha Mukhtar, Assistant Director Extension M & E, the executive director said IAR is not only celebrating the release of the new oat varieties but also the spirit of agricultural innovation, collaboration and progress that defined the institute for decades of its existence.
Dr M. Oyekunle, Principal Investigator of the project, led the institute's team of scien-tists, including Dr A. I. Gabasawa, Dr R. O. Abdulmalik, Dr H. N. Kura, and Prof. Yusuf Hussaini, who showcased the fruits of years of rigorous research and experimentation.
He explained that the field day provided a platform for farmers, seed companies, and agricultural stakeholders to witness firsthand the performance and potential of the newly released oats varieties.
Representatives from renowned seed companies, Kaduna ADP and NASC which graced the event reaffirmed their commitment to further collaboration and partnership in driving agricultural innovation forward.
