The Director General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha has expressed satisfaction on the recent commercial release and open cultivation of the transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties known as TELA Maize.
The approval of TELA Maize by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries during its 37th meeting at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology NACGRAB in Ibadan on January 11, 2024 marks a “significant breakthrough in enhancing food security in Nigeria.”
In a statement, the Press Secretary to the DG of NABDA, Toyin Toyin Omozuwa, said that Prof. Mustapha emphasised that the adoption of TELA Maize would lead to a substantial reduction in pesticide use, benefiting humans, livestock, and the environment. It will also improve crop yield and ultimately boosting food security in Nigeria.
“The newly developed maize varieties exhibit remarkable drought resistance, making them highly effective against stem-borer and fall army worm infestations, resulting in a yield advantage of up to 10 tonnes per hectare.”
Omozuwa added that Stem-borer has been a major contributor to the reduction in maize production across several African countries, while fall army worm has been responsible for the destruction of up to 20 million metric tonnes of maize in Africa annually, which is enough to feed 100 million people.
The commercial release of TELA Maize is a notable milestone in harnessing the benefits of biotechnology in agriculture. Not only will it increase maize production, but it will also improve the livelihoods of farmers and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.
This breakthrough also paves the way for the adoption of other genetically modified crops that have the potential to address similar agricultural challenges, thus ensuring a more sustainable and secure food future for Nigeria.
Shakirat Sadiq
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