GM Technology to Alleviate Food Insecurity – BSN

According to the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), the country’s food insecurity will be lessened with the advancement of genetically modified crops and genetic modification (GM) technology.

This was said by BSN President Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu during an interview in Abuja on Wednesday.

The introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria was the subject of a public hearing held in November at the House of Representatives.

She asserts that the crops’ enhanced micronutrient concentrations could, among other benefits, aid in lowering nutritional inadequacies among the impoverished.

Read Also: Biotechnology Society Warns Against GM Technology Detractors

Additionally, she reported that the area planted to genetically modified crops increased from 1.7 million hectares in 1996 to 134 million hectares in 2009.

“Today, 14 million farmers worldwide grow GM crops in 25 countries, including 16 developing countries. GM crops increase in yield due to the removal of biotic and abiotic stresses,’’ she said.

According to Uzochukwu, biotech (Bt) cowpea farms could see a 90 percent boost in yield.

“Aside increase demand for agricultural products, scarcity in natural resource and additional challenges posed by climate change; increase in productivity is a necessary precondition for achieving long-term food security.

“GM crops will increase rural income and reduce poverty in a country like Nigeria.

“Reduction in the use of chemical pesticides through GM crops will also alleviate environmental and health problems associated with intensive agricultural production system,’’ she said.

Using India as an example, Uzochukwu made the case that Bt cotton helps the rural poor create jobs and improve their income in addition to decreasing the need for pesticides and increasing yield.

“It also contributes to indirect gains through improved health, higher water quality and protected biodiversity,” she said.

NAN