Ibadan, April 15, 2025 – In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s food security and reduce dependence on imported seeds, the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) has released four new high-performing varieties of tomato and pepper.
Unveiled by the institute’s Executive Director, Professor Mohammed Atanda, the new varieties—HortiTom4, HortiTom5 (tomatoes) and HortiPep1, HortiPep2 (yellow aromatic peppers)—promise significantly higher yields, faster maturity, and stronger resistance to diseases, offering hope to thousands of struggling vegetable farmers across the country.
“This breakthrough is not just about better seeds—it’s about better lives for farmers, improved nutrition for families, and a stronger agricultural economy for Nigeria,” Atanda said.
A Game-Changer for Nigerian Tomato Production
Tomatoes remain a staple in nearly every Nigerian home, yet the country continues to battle low average yields of just 3.4 tonnes per hectare—far below global and even African benchmarks. According to Prof. Atanda, this is largely due to disease-prone, low-yielding local varieties, with bacterial wilt being a major culprit.
The newly released tomato varieties offer:
- Maturity within 80–90 days
- Yields between 21.7 to 27.2 tonnes per hectare
- Adaptability across Nigeria’s key ecological zones, including the rainforest, derived guinea, and Sudan savannas
“These cultivars represent a major leap forward for our tomato farmers,” Atanda noted. “They will help increase productivity and income, while reducing losses caused by pests and diseases.”
Pepper Farmers Get a Boost Too
In addition to tomatoes, NIHORT introduced two yellow aromatic pepper varieties—HortiPep1 and HortiPep2—tailored to meet the rising domestic demand for flavorful, high-quality peppers used in local cuisine.
“Pepper is more than a spice—it’s a vital cash crop,” said Atanda. “But for too long, Nigerian farmers have struggled with poor seed quality and low yields.”
The new pepper varieties are designed to resist pests and diseases, improve harvest quality, and provide better returns for farmers who have long faced unstable market prices and weak yields.
Reducing Import Dependency, Strengthening Food Systems
Nigeria continues to import a large portion of its vegetable seeds, a practice that not only strains the economy but leaves farmers vulnerable to supply disruptions. With these NIHORT-developed varieties, the country moves closer to seed independence, while empowering farmers with technology suited for local growing conditions.
“These varieties will enhance food security and economic resilience by ensuring Nigerian farmers have access to world-class seeds bred right here in Nigeria,” Atanda concluded.
The release of these varieties follows years of research under the institute’s Crop Varieties, Livestock, and Fisheries Improvement Programme, part of broader national efforts to modernize agriculture and ensure nutritional access for a growing population.