The Director-General, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, yesterday, said the genetically modified maize, known as TELA maize, will be made commercially available by the National Variety Release Committee in 2024.
Mustapha, who disclosed this at a media parley in Abuja, described the TELA maize as a huge project that would boost food production in line with the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security.
He said a lot of progress had been recorded towards the commercialisation of the TELA maize, noting that Nigeria faced immense food security challenges as the population is estimated to reach over 400 million by 2030.
He said: “Our farmers need all scientific and technological tools available to increase crop yields, resilience and nutrition on existing farmlands.
“Biotechnology has already shown its potential with benefits demonstrated across 30 countries and for farmers big and small.
“From pest resistant crop varieties to biofortified staples packed with crucial vitamins and minerals, agricultural biotechnology offers solutions for greater productivity and food access.”
He said testimonies existed from farmers, who are benefitting from products of modern agricultural biotechnology, such as the pest-resistant, Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea.
Our farmers need all scientific and technological tools available to increase crop yields, resilience and nutrition on existing farmlands.
Mustapha: “Today, farmers are applying only two insecticide sprays as against eight to 10 sprays previously, as a result of planting the PBR cowpea.
“The farmers are also planting Bt Cotton, another innovative product from modern biotechnology that is changing the game in cotton farming and the hope of textile industry revival.”
The Director-General informed that these achievements were made possible through the over 14- year partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Agricultural Research Council and Bayer Agriculture Nigeria Plc.
He said the AATF’s Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), is fast-tracking the food security agenda through effective biotechnology advocacy campaigns.
He also reiterated NABDA’s commitment to harnessing biotechnology for sustainable national development, which is yielding positive results.
He added that with the recent launch of the NABDA Journal of Biotechnology Research (NJBR), the agency is set to advance the frontiers of scientific research in biotechnology, to reduce post-harvest crop losses.