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TELA maize outperforms varieties on yield, pest resistance – AATF report

 

By Abdullahi Lukman

TELA maize hybrids have significantly outperformed conventional maize varieties in yield, profitability, and pest resistance, according to results from a 2024 on-farm study in Nigeria.

Conducted by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and partners, the trials showed that the TELA maize variety SAMMAZ 75T yielded 5.09 tons per hectare—54 percent more than the 3.30 tons from non-TELA maize—leading to an income of ₦3.16 million per hectare compared to ₦2.05 million.

The study, which preceded the commercial release of four TELA hybrids in January 2024, involved 120 farmers across various sites.

Each participant planted 0.5 hectares of TELA and non-TELA maize.

The hybrids—SAMMAZ 72T, 73T, 74T, and 75T—were developed by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and are designed to resist fall armyworm, stem borers, and drought conditions.

In addition to better yields, TELA maize plots showed lower pest incidence, with only 22 percent of farmers reporting damage, versus 86 percent for conventional maize. Pesticide use was also reduced, with TELA plots requiring 1.3 sprays per season on average, compared to 2.1 for non-TELA.

“No TELA maize farm had damage exceeding one-third of the crop,” noted Prof. Rabiu Adamu, Principal Investigator of the TELA project.

“Some conventional farms lost up to two-thirds, making TELA crucial for smallholder resilience.”

The financial impact was notable. TELA maize generated over ₦1.1 million more per hectare, with additional savings from reduced pesticide use and labor.

In dollar terms, farmers earned around $2,098 per hectare, compared to $1,360 with non-TELA maize.

Dr. Sylvester Oikeh, AATF Project Manager for TELA, called the results a milestone.

“TELA maize delivers higher productivity, lower input costs, and better climate resilience.”

Farmers responded positively, with 90% expressing satisfaction. Many cited better germination, faster growth, and reduced spraying.

“With TELA, I didn’t have to spray much, and it still outperformed,” said one farmer.

As Nigeria advances toward climate-smart agriculture, TELA maize is emerging as a key tool for food security and sustainable farming.

The success of the trials reinforces the role of innovation in transforming African agriculture.

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