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The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, through the National Animal Production Research Institution (NAPRI), Shika, Zaria, has submitted eight varieties of pasture for registration, release and certification 48 years after the Country recorded such an intervention.
A statement by the Ministry noted that the registration and release was a milestone for the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as it marked the first time in the last 48 years that pasture varieties would be registered and released by any MDA.
The varieties classified under grass and legumes include Brachiaria ruziziensis, Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass), Sorghum almum (Sudan grass), Andropogon gayanus (Gamba grass), Panicum mumbasa (Mumbasa grass), Pennisetum purpureum and Napier grass. While legume forage includes Mucuna pruriens and Lablab purpureus.
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“The names were submitted to the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries, which met at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology in Ibadan from 15-17 April, 2025, to consider submissions for crop varietal registration and release.
“This brings the total to 10 varieties now registered and released for increased livestock production in the country, recalling that Stylosanthes and Centrosema had earlier been registered and released,” the statement added.
The registration and release is a game changer for the pasture and fodder value chain and for the national seed system as well targeted transformation of the livestock sector and would further boost investors’ confidence in the pasture and fodder value chain, thereby attracting investment in feed, pasture and fodder both for the domestic market and for exports.
The Ministry explains that the official registration and certification of pasture seeds ensures quality, purity, and genetic identity of the seed, benefiting farmers, livestock producers, and the environment.
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“Certified seeds guarantee a higher germination rate, vigour, and freedom from contaminants like weed seeds, pests, and diseases. This leads to more reliable pasture establishment, healthier forage, and improved livestock productivity”, it added.
It further stated that “certification verifies that seeds meet specific standards of purity, germination, and vigour, ensuring a high-quality pasture and ensuring that seeds are what they are claimed to be, preventing disappointment from incorrect variety selection.”
It however added that “certification reduces the risk of weed and pest infestation: Improves pasture establishment and productivity, increases market value, protects investment/ Environment, prevents weed spread and conserves biodiversity.”
