Education
From fewer sprays to bigger profits: Kano farmers embrace AATF’s TELA maize technology – EnviroNews
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Farmers in Bunkure, Kano State, are optimistic about improving their harvests and cutting production costs following a community sensitisation programme by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) alongside Mastrotun Global Agro Allied Limited that introduced the benefits of TELA maize technology.
The engagement brought together farmers, traditional leaders, and community members to learn how the new TELA maize hybrids can help address some of the biggest challenges facing maize production, including devastating Fall Armyworm infestations, stem borer attacks, and increasingly unpredictable weather.
Leading the sensitisation, AATF’s Hybrid Seed Market Development Manager, Mr. Olawale Ojo, explained that the same advanced biotechnology that has helped farmers protect their cowpea crops is now available in TELA maize. He said the improved hybrids combine resistance to destructive insect pests with drought tolerance, enabling farmers to achieve higher yields while reducing production costs.
“Our message is simple: farming is a business,” Ojo told participants. “The more farmers reduce avoidable costs while increasing productivity, the more profitable their farms become.”
He introduced the improved TELA maize hybrids—SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T and SAMMAZ 75T—and trained farmers on recommended agronomic practices, including the 25cm by 75cm planting spacing and the “one seed per hole” technique to ensure healthy crop establishment and optimal yields.
To demonstrate the technology’s impact, Ojo revisited last season’s improved cowpea programme and invited farmers to share their experiences.
The testimonies painted a compelling picture of how improved seed technologies are already transforming livelihoods.
Farmer Malam Idris Ado recalled how he previously sprayed insecticides up to ten times when cultivating conventional varieties. With the improved seed introduced through Mastrotun Global, however, he reduced spraying to only twice, significantly lowering production costs while achieving a more profitable harvest.
Another farmer, Malam Ubale Lawan, reported a similar experience, explaining that his insecticide applications dropped from four or five sprays to just two, resulting in substantial savings on agrochemical expenses.
For Malam Dayyabu Maikirki, the advantages extended beyond reduced input costs. He highlighted the improved maize’s superior yield potential and overall cost-effectiveness, while Idris Ado further praised the crop’s stronger plant vigor.
Maryam Adamu noted that built-in insect protection eases the burden on women and smallholder farmers who often struggle with the labour and expense of repeated pesticide applications.
The interactive session allowed farmers to raise practical questions about the new technology. Participants sought clarification on market opportunities, planting periods, performance under heavy rainfall, and cultivation practices for first-time maize growers.
Responding to concerns, Ojo explained that while TELA maize is drought-tolerant, like all maize varieties, maize performs poorly under waterlogged conditions caused by prolonged flooding. He also assured farmers that AATF would continue providing technical support through licensed seed companies to ensure successful adoption.
The programme received strong backing from the community’s traditional leadership.
Earlier, Malam Garba Dantale, a community leader, thanked AATF for its continued support to farming communities and encouraged farmers to carefully absorb the knowledge being shared.
The Mai Unguwa of Bunkure, Umaru Ali commended the Foundation for consistently engaging local farmers with practical innovations that improve agricultural productivity. He urged community members to embrace modern farming practices and offered prayers for a successful planting season.
Also present was the District Head (King), who praised AATF for bringing improved technologies directly to rural communities. Addressing the farmers, he reminded them that agriculture is constantly evolving and encouraged them to embrace innovation to remain productive and prosperous.
“The world is changing,” he said. “Farmers must improve their methods if they want to continue succeeding.”
The community engagement concluded with the distribution of sample TELA maize seeds to participating farmers for trial planting, giving them an opportunity to experience firsthand the improved performance and economic benefits of the technology.