IITA–CGIAR, in collaboration with the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), has released three new yam varieties—UMUDa35-Delight, UMUDr33-Blessing, and UMUDr34-Sunshine for farmers. The announcement was made at the 31st Meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breed/Fisheries held in Ibadan on 19 January.
UMUDa35-Delight is D. alata (water yam), while UMUDr33-Blessing and UMUDr34-Sunshine are both D. rotundata (white yam). The new varieties originated from IITA and were released to farmers through NRCRI, Umudike. They were released because of their remarkable attributes, such as high yield, high dry matter, and flour production, as well as good boiling and pounding capabilities.