Nigeria registers eight new pasture varieties to boost livestock production

The National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries has approved and registered eight new pasture varieties, marking a historic development in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The varieties, submitted by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), were approved during a three-day meeting held from 15th to 17th April 2025 at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan.

This milestone represents the first time in 48 years that any government agency in Nigeria has registered and released pasture varieties.

The development was announced in a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Livestock Development and the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries.

The newly registered varieties include six types of grass—Brachiaria ruziziensis, Chloris gayana (Rhode grass), Sorghum almum (Sudan grass), Andropogon gayanus (Gamba grass), Panicum mumbasa (Mumbasa grass), and Pennisetum purpureum (Napier grass)—as well as two leguminous forages, Mucuna pruriens and Lablab purpureus.

With these additions, the total number of officially registered pasture varieties in Nigeria now stands at ten, including previously approved Stylosanthes and Centrosema.

According to the statement, the development represents “a significant boost to Nigeria’s pasture and fodder value chain” and is expected to attract substantial investment in the feed sector, both domestically and for export.

ALSO READ: Bauchi gov mourns tragic loss of four Water Corporation staff

“Certified pasture seed ensures quality, purity, and high genetic standards, which translates into better forage yields, improved livestock productivity, and sustainable environmental practices,” the statement says.

The benefits of certification, it added, include higher germination rates, greater resistance to pests and diseases, and increased market value.

For farmers and livestock producers, the use of certified seeds translates into reduced risks, improved pasture establishment, and higher returns. Environmentally, certified pasture seeds help prevent the spread of invasive weeds, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and promote biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

The statement described the breakthrough as a “game changer” that will not only safeguard farmers’ investments but also enhance national food security and drive economic empowerment in rural communities.

With the formal recognition of these pasture varieties, Nigeria has taken a major step towards strengthening its national seed system and unlocking the full potential of its livestock industry.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE