The Federal Government of Nigeria on Wednesday 23rd September 2020 approved new names for 10 improved cassava varieties. This is to ensure easy identification and marketing of the varieties which are high performing, and for increased adoption. The newly named varieties include six released varieties which are already gaining popularity with farmers and four other varieties that are yet to be received.
The released varieties and their new names are as follows: CR36-5 (Ayaya), IBA961632 (Farmer’s Pride), IBA980581 (Dixon), IBA980505 (Fine Face), IBA070593 (Sunshine) and TME 419, (still TME419). The new names for the pre-release varieties are: TMS13F1160P000 (Game Changer), TMS13F1343P0022 (Obasanjo-2), NR130124 (Hope) and TMEB693 (Poundable).
The names were decided on following engagements and voting by farmer representatives, seed entrepreneurs and other stakeholders from Benue, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Cross River and Abia states.