GMO crops safe for consumption –FG

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Professor Garba Sharubutu, has declared that crops derived from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are safe for consumption.

Sharubutu at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, said the fuss generated was unnecessary as there was no scientific evidence to show that the GMO crops 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 USA, Europe, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa.

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

“The Nigerian Research system on its own has use the modern biotechnology to come up with genetically modified (GM) Cotton, Cowpea, and maize varieties which are safe for both human consumption and industrial use.

“There are other sister agencies here in the Country who deals 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 farmer’s fields. PBR cowpea is resistant to this insect pest therefore drastically improve cowpea production in Nigeria following large-scale adoption by farmers.”

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

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.”