The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture states that it has released over 200 improved crop varieties in collaboration with Nigerian Research Institutions and other partners.

Simeon Ehui, director-general of IITA and regional director of Continental Africa, CGIAR, said this at the 3rd International Conference of the Nigerian Plant Breeders Association (NPBA) in Abuja.

Mr Ehui further said that the organisation has mentored and nurtured the next generation of scientists through the International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows platform.

According to him, IITA, in collaboration with NPBA, remains committed to sustaining career growth for young professionals in plant breeding and related crop improvement disciplines.

Mr Ehui commended plant breeders, researchers, scientists, and others for the groundbreaking work they have advanced in fields, laboratories, and classrooms across the nation and continent.

Emphasising that they cannot rest on past laurels, saying that the next chapter of plant breeding demands bold, coordinated action in the areas of resilience, nutrition and equity, collaboration, and demand-led breeding.

According to him, we must develop crops that can withstand heat, drought, salinity, and emerging pests, and this is not just science, but survival.

He urged stakeholders to bear in mind that the future is not written but bred, nurtured, and cultivated through collective efforts.

Mr Ehui further urged them to envision a world where no farmer fears a failed harvest, no child goes hungry, and no community is left behind in the pursuit of agricultural innovation. He identified the theme as timely, adding that agriculture is facing climate change, biodiversity loss, and the urgent need for resilient, efficient systems.

(NAN)