International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA): Inaugurates African Yam-Bean with Forty Varieties again – Morufat Balogun disclosed

By Abdul Rahman Bangura–

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone- Genetic Professor and Principal Investigator for African yam-bean – Morufat Balogun announces, the IITA has bent on a “genetic diversity” landrace for African yam-bean crops to boost soil fertility and achieve food security.

The yield, with over 40 variations, can generate beans and tubers, rich in protein and calories preferred for human development. Morufat Balogun, Genetic Professor and Principal Investigator for African yam-bean, IITA, said this at the ongoing research by the institute, on Wednesday, February 15th, 2023, in Kano State Nigeria.

She mumbled, the crop could furthermore endure climatic modifications after exhibiting possibilities actually in areas with less deluge. The Agronomist interpreted AYB as a high nutritional full crop relinquished due to curtain-raiser of timely growing harvests.

“African yam-bean is an indigenous crop. It is a legume, traditionally held in high importance, especially in South-Western Nigeria.

“Taking African yam bean secures the health and nutrition of the family because it contains more than 30% of protein, higher than other plants and crops.

“It also can fix atmospheric nitrogen. All crops usually require nitrogen phosphorus and potassium and some micro-nutrients for them to grow well in the soil.

“This crop can fix the nitrogen in the air and convert it to what is needed in the soil; that means, it will reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and bring farmers more profit by spending less on fertilizers.

“It has been forgotten due to national and international support as well as funding for crops like cowpea and soybean,” noted Balogun.

She said the rebirth of the crop would lead to better environmental preservation thereby leading to higher food security, adding that “this was because it came with better options and more nutrients”.

For New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports,  Africa Correspondent