Growth and yield potentials of three okra (Abelmoschus essculentus (L.) Meonch) varieties at Makurdi, Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted from August to October in year 2015 cropping season at the Research farm, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria to evaluate the yield performance of three Okra varieties. The treatment consisted of three varieties (NH47 – 4’), Clemson spineless and the commonly grown local “Atuur a Nyiom’), replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Result of study showed that variety ‘NH47 – 4’ gave the highest pod yield of 5.4 /hasignificantly (P≤0.05) higher by 14.8% and 40.7% respectively, as compared to that obtained from ‘Clemson Spineless’ and ‘Atuur a nyiom’ the implication of study showed that variety NH47 – 4’ is a potential replacement to the popularly grown variety ‘Atuur a nyiom’ at Makurdi Nigeria.Keywords: Growth, Yield potentials, Okra, vegetabl

Market‐led options to scale up legume seeds in developing countries: Experiences from the Tropical Legumes Project

There are several hurdles to ensure sustainable seed production and consistent flow of improved legume varieties in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) and South Asia (SA). The unreliable demand, autogamous nature of most of the grain legumes, and slow variety replacement rate by smallholder farmers do not provide strong incentive for private seed companies to invest in legume seed business. Unless a well thought‐out and comprehensive approach to legume seed delivery is developed, current seed shortages will continue, eroding emerging market opportunities. The experiences reported here are collated through a 10‐year partnership project, the Tropical Legumes in SSA and SA. It fostered innovative public–private partnerships in joint testing of innovative market‐led seed systems, skills and knowledge enhancement, de‐risking private sector initiatives that introduced in new approaches and previously overlooked entities in technology delivery. As new public and private seed companies, individual seed entrepreneurs and farmer organizations emerged, the existing ones enhanced their capacities. This resulted in significant rise in production, availability and accessibility of various seed grades of newly improved and farmer demanded legume varieties in the target countries

Annual cropped area expansion and agricultural production: implications for environmental management in Benue State, Nigeria

This paper assesses the relationship between annual cropped area expansion and crop output and discusses the implication of such a relationship for environmental management in Benue State, Nigeria. The study was carried out using agricultural production survey (APS) data of five selected crops, namely: rice, sorghum, maize, yam and cassava for over two decades (i.e. 1989 to 2011), obtained at Benue State Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (BNARDA). The data was subjected to correlation analysis. The results reveal a considerable annual increase of varying extent over time and space for both annual output and area expansion of each of the five selected crops in Benue State on one hand. While on the other, the analyses reveal the existence of very high positive correlations between area cropped and output for four crops. However, a very weak negative relationship is revealed for area cropped and sorghum output. The study suggests improving productivity through sustainable agricultural intensification may significantly reduce the rate of conversion of arable lands to cropped area and equally help manage the environment in the state.Keywords: Agricultural Intensification, Crop output, Environment, Benue State, Nigeri

Effects of Intra-Row Spacing of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and Frequency of Weeding on Yields of Maize- Sesame Intercrop in Makurdi, Nigeria

ABSTRACT. Field experiments were conducted from July to October, during 2012 an