The National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State, has embarked on an innovative research project in collaboration with farmers to develop a climate-resilient variety of Ofada rice. The project aims to empower farmers and ensure sustainable rice production in the face of climate change challenges such as erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures.
The Project’s Innovative Approach: Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS)
The NCRI has adopted the Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) approach, a methodology that integrates farmers directly into the research and selection process. This farmer-driven model ensures that rice varieties developed are not only climate-resilient but also meet the practical needs of the farming community.
The pilot phase of the project kicked off in Ikenne, Ogun State, where upland rice farmers were engaged to evaluate and select desirable traits such as:
- Drought tolerance
- Pest resistance
- High yield potential
- Improved grain quality
Science Meets Community Partnership
The research project is spearheaded by Dr. Abraham A. Shaibu, alongside a team of agricultural superintendents including Mr. Bello Haruna, Mrs. Olayinka Kingsley, and Mrs. Owoade Aduba. Together, they are combining modern breeding techniques with local knowledge to create an improved strain of Ofada rice that thrives in upland ecosystems.
NCRI’s Executive Director, Dr. Mohamed Ndagi Ishaq, emphasized the importance of moving research beyond laboratory confines to make tangible impacts on farmers’ lives. Speaking at the project’s launch, Dr. Ishaq stated:
“Research must go beyond the laboratory to make real impacts in farmers’ lives. This initiative showcases NCRI’s dedication to empowering farmers and driving agricultural transformation to support the federal government’s food security agenda.”
Empowering Farmers: Key to Sustainable Development
One of the project’s defining features is its inclusive and collaborative framework. Farmers are not treated as mere beneficiaries but as equal partners in the research process. They play a central role in evaluating and selecting rice lines at maturity, ensuring the final varieties meet their specific needs and preferences.
Dr. Abraham A. Shaibu, the lead scientist, highlighted the significance of the partnership:
“This partnership is about listening to the farmers and ensuring they are part of the solution; their insights are shaping a new future for Ofada rice.”
Similarly, Mrs. Olayinka Kingsley, one of the project coordinators, emphasized the broader impacts of the initiative:
“By empowering farmers, we are not only improving rice production but also strengthening communities and ensuring food security.”
Why Climate-Resilient Ofada Rice Matters
The Ofada rice variety, widely cultivated in South-West Nigeria, is known for its unique flavor and cultural significance. However, the increasing impacts of climate change have posed significant challenges to its production:
- Erratic Rainfall: Unpredictable weather patterns disrupt planting and harvesting cycles.
- Prolonged Droughts: Reduced water availability threatens crop survival.
- Rising Temperatures: High temperatures can stunt rice growth and reduce yields.
The development of a climate-resilient strain will:
- Improve rice yields even under harsh climatic conditions.
- Reduce farmers’ vulnerability to climate-induced crop failures.
- Contribute to Nigeria’s food security goals by increasing rice production.
The Role of Modern Breeding Techniques
To create a stronger, more adaptive Ofada rice variety, NCRI’s team of scientists is employing modern breeding techniques such as:
- Cross-Breeding: Combining Ofada rice with elite rice varieties to produce a superior strain with enhanced traits.
- Field Trials: Testing various rice lines under real climatic conditions to assess performance and adaptability.
- Farmer-Led Evaluation: Farmers actively participate in identifying desirable traits, ensuring the resulting variety aligns with their practical needs.
This integrated approach ensures that the final rice varieties are high-yielding, drought-resistant, and widely accepted by farmers and consumers alike.
Driving Nigeria’s Food Security Agenda
The NCRI project is a critical step towards achieving the federal government’s food security agenda. By fostering collaboration between scientists and farmers, the project aims to:
- Boost local rice production.
- Reduce Nigeria’s dependence on rice imports.
- Enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
- Build climate resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Looking Ahead: A Transformative Future for Ofada Rice
The NCRI’s partnership with farmers in Ikenne represents a model for agricultural innovation and sustainability. As the project progresses, the newly developed climate-resilient Ofada rice variety has the potential to:
- Revolutionize upland rice farming in Nigeria.
- Strengthen community resilience to climate change.
- Position Ofada rice as a staple crop that combines cultural heritage with modern agricultural efficiency.
Final Thoughts: Science, Innovation, and Farmer Empowerment
The NCRI’s groundbreaking initiative underscores the power of combining scientific innovation with local farmer knowledge to address pressing agricultural challenges. By making farmers active partners in the research process, the project not only improves rice production but also builds stronger, more resilient farming communities.
As Dr. Ishaq aptly noted, the success of this initiative will drive the agricultural transformation needed to secure Nigeria’s future:
“This project is proof that science, innovation, and community partnerships can transform agriculture and improve lives.”