IAR Showcases Cutting-Edge Agricultural Innovations at 2025 Annual Farm Walk in Samaru
By Idris Umar Zaria
The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, hosted its 2025 Annual Farm Walk on Thursday at the IAR Research Farm in Samaru, Zaria, drawing a diverse audience of researchers, farmers, students, and agricultural stakeholders.
The event was officially flagged off by the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof.Adamu Ahmed represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Advancement, Research and Innovation), Prof. Sunusi Rafindadi, who also chaired the proceedings. In his opening remarks, Prof. Rafindadi commended the Institute for its unwavering commitment to advancing agricultural research, innovation, and technology dissemination in Nigeria and beyond.
Welcoming participants to the event, the Executive Director of IAR, Prof. Ado Yusuf, represented by Deputy Director Prof. Nafiu Abdu, led the Vice-Chancellor and guests on a guided tour of the Institute’s experimental fields and research facilities. He highlighted several recent achievements under the current leadership, including the completion of perimeter fencing of the horticultural garden, improved infrastructure across the research farm, and enhanced capacity for crop trials and technology development.
The farm walk featured live field demonstrations of IAR’s research progress across its mandate crops, which include maize, sorghum, cowpea, groundnut, cotton, artemisia, and castor. These sessions allowed participants to observe the performance of improved crop varieties, best agronomic practices, and emerging technologies tailored to the needs of Nigerian farmers.
Participants—comprising scientists, technicians, technologists, extension workers, students, and farmers—used the platform to exchange ideas, ask questions, and discuss collaborative opportunities. The interactive nature of the event provided a valuable interface between research and practice, strengthening the link between innovation and community impact.
The 2025 Farm Walk reaffirmed IAR’s role as a leading center of agricultural excellence in West Africa, while promoting engagement between academia and the farming community.
It was a day of insightful learning, productive networking, and collective celebration of progress in agricultural research and development.
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