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Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has declared that agro biotechnology championed by the National Biotechnology Development Agency, (NABDA) will address Nigeria’s food security challenges.
The minister, who spoke during a facility tour of NABDA in Abuja, advised farmers and other stakeholders in the agro sector to embrace biotechnology as a means of achieving food security for the country.
\NABDA in collaboration with national and international partners has advanced in genetic technology adoption with Nigeria being the first country in the world to release Pod Borer Resistant Beans (Cowpea), and the second in Africa to deregulate TELA maize, making it ready for commercial release.
“I am profoundly encouraged by this feat and shall work with NABDA and other relevant agriculture and food security stakeholders to ensure that most Nigerian grain farmers have low-cost access to this uniquely innovated and highly profitable maize variety,” the minister said.
Director General/CEO of NABDA, Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi in his response, recalled that NABDA was created in 2001 with the mission to promote biotechnology activities that respond positively to national aspirations on food security, job and wealth creation, affordable healthcare delivery, and sustainable environment.
He corroborated the Minister’s statement on Bt species of crop, adding that the Bt cotton with potential yield of 4.1−4.4 tonnes per hectare as against 650−960kg per hectare of the local variety, and Bt Cowpea (Beans) with potential yield of 2.9−3 tonnes per hectare as against the local variety with 350kg per hectare were developed by scientists at IAR Zaria in partnership with NABDA, AATF Kenya and other international collaborators. TELA maize is a variety that is drought tolerant and insect resistant. It provides protection against drought, stem borers, and significant protection against Fall Àrmy Worm (FAW). It is estimated that this innovation will counteract the annual Fall Army Worm-induced losses, which exceeds US$268 million. It will also save Nigeria a significant foreign exchange in the importation of over 400,000 metric tons of maiz and about $15.2 million annually.
According to the agency, another important developed crop is the Pod Borer Resistant Cowpea (Beans). Historically plagued by pests, this new variety heralds a monumental 20% yield hike per hectare, equivalent to a staggering annual economic boon of N48 billion.
