By Idris Umar, Zaria The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has showcased improved...
By Idris Umar, Zaria
The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has showcased improved crop varieties, research findings and modern farming technologies at its 2026 Annual Field Day held in Samaru, Zaria.
The event, held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, featured a guided tour of the institute’s research farms, where participants observed ongoing experiments and field trials focused on crop improvement, sustainable farming practices and agricultural innovation.
The programme brought together researchers, scientists, students and other agricultural stakeholders to assess ongoing research activities and explore practical solutions to challenges affecting agricultural production.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Ahmad Adamu, the Executive Director of the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Professor M. R. Hassan, commended IAR for its research efforts and the progress recorded across its various programmes.
Professor Hassan said he would convey his observations from the field tour to the vice-chancellor, noting the importance of the institute’s research activities to agricultural development.
During the tour, participants visited research plots showcasing strip cropping, maize breeding and field trials, vegetable and soybean intercropping, sunflower breeder seed production, cowpea cultivation, sorghum breeding, cotton research and groundnut production.
Participants were also briefed on ongoing research into the optimal harvesting time for Artemisia, with particular emphasis on its effects on artemisinin content, soil quality and microbial activity.
The demonstrations provided an opportunity for participants to engage with researchers, seek clarification and gain insights into how scientific findings could be translated into practical farming solutions to improve agricultural productivity.
The research activities form part of IAR’s broader efforts to develop improved crop varieties, enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable farming systems and address the challenges facing farmers.
Speaking at the conclusion of the event, the institute’s Deputy Director, Professor Nafiu Abdu, who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the Executive Director, Professor Ado A. Yusuf, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded across the research farms.
He commended the researchers for their dedication and contributions to agricultural development, urging members of staff to sustain their commitment to achieving the institute’s research objectives.
The annual field day highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between agricultural research and practical farming to boost productivity, strengthen food security and contribute to national development.
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