Enhancing farm-level yield and revenue using TELA maize in Nigeria

After the commercialisation of TELA maize hybrid SAMMAZ 75T, a drought-tolerant and insect-resistant variety introduced in Nigeria in 2024, this study is the first to evaluate its benefits among farmers in Nigeria. A total of 134 plots covering the four major agroecologies across six states including derived Savannah (Oyo), Northern Guinea Savannah (Kaduna), Southern Guinea Savannah (Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger), and Sudan Savannah (Kano) were used. The aim was to assess the yield and revenue benefits. Crop-cutting, partial budgeting and thematic analysis were conducted. Results of a two-sample t-test with unequal variances indicated that the mean grain yield of TELA maize (5.85 MT/ha) was statistically and significantly higher than that of non-TELA maize varieties (3.11 MT/ha). The difference in mean yield was 2.74 MT/ha (t-value = 16.21, P < 0.0001), representing a yield advantage of 88% and indicating superior pest resistance. TELA maize generated net revenue of Naira 2,471,983 (approximately USD 1,644.70) per hectare, representing a 137% advantage over other varieties. Therefore, more efforts are needed to support the long-term commercialisation of TELA maize and to enhance its adoption across Nigeria. Key words: Fall armyworm, genetically engineered maize, TELA.