GMO crops safe for consumption – ARCN

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Professor Garba Sharubutu, has declared genetically modified organisms (GMO) crops safe for consumption.

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, Sharubutu said the controversy surrounding GMOs was unnecessary, as there was no scientific evidence to prove they were unhealthy.

He said: “Biotechnology has been used successfully to increase productivity in corn, soybean, and cotton by combating insect pests and drought in other parts of the world, including the USA, Europe, Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa.

“Our research institutes have collaborated with other research institutions across the globe in their research activities and have come up with the best innovations. For instance, Nigeria and Malaysia are working in the area of oil palm.

“The Nigerian research system has used modern biotechnology to develop genetically modified (GM) cotton, cowpea, and maize varieties that are safe for both human consumption and industrial use.

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“There are other sister agencies here in the country who deal with the issues of regulation and safety, promoting biotechnology and regulating seed production. All these institutions are deliberately put in place by the government to ensure that Nigerians are provided with food that is safe and sustainable.

“The first research breakthrough in the application of biotechnology to improve crops in Nigeria is the development and release of Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea by the Institute of Agricultural Research, Samaru, Zaria.

“Most cowpea-producing areas in Nigeria are highly infested by this destructive insect pest, leading to about 70% damage in farmers’ fields. PBR cowpea is resistant to this insect pest, therefore drastically improving cowpea production in Nigeria following large-scale adoption by farmers.”

Also, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, said the introduction of Tela Maize had led to misinformation about GMOs.

He said: “GMOs represent a crucial advancement in the field of biotechnology, offering a myriad of benefits that span across agriculture, food security, health, industry, and the environment.

“These genetically modified organisms have the potential to revolutionise our approach to addressing pressing global challenges such as food scarcity, malnutrition, and environmental sustainability.”