By Stanley Iwuoha
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has assured that the commercial release of new crop varieties of Corn, called Tela Maize marks a remarkable step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and ensure food sufficiency for the nation.
He also averred that the new releases
would strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global agricultural landscape, fostering economic stability and opening new avenues for trade and export.
Nnaji, who spoke during a press briefing on the recent approval and commercial release of transgenic crops in Nigeria, described the innovation as “a significant milestone in our nation’s biotechnology sector”.
According to him, the commercial release of the new crop species exemplifies the commitment to harnessing the power of biotechnology to address pressing agricultural challenges, enhance crop resilience, and improve the livelihoods of our farmers and citizens.
“I am most delighted to be here with you today to underscore the significant milestone in our nation’s journey towards agricultural prosperity and sustainable development.
“The commercial release of these crop varieties marks a remarkable step to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food sufficiency for our nation,” he said.
“It exemplifies our commitment to harnessing the power of biotechnology to address pressing agricultural challenges, enhance crop resilience, and improve the livelihoods of our farmers and citizens.
“It also strengthens our position in the global agricultural landscape, fostering economic stability and opening new avenues for trade and export,” he added.
Recall that on 11th January 2024, the National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries, approved the commercial release and open cultivation of the transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties known as TELA Maize, along with other high-yielding crop varieties at its 33rd meeting at National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan.
Nnaji listed some of the benefits of the newly released variety as: increased crop yields, enhanced resilience to pests and diseases, reduced environmental impact, and improved nutritional content.
The Minister further informed that
NABDA, in collaboration with various stakeholders and foreign collaborators, is actively pursuing the release of several other crops, each poised to revolutionize our agricultural productivity and fortify our nation’s food security
While acknowledging the relentless efforts of NABDA DG, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha and his management team, the Minister said commended the scientists, researchers, experts, institutions and foreign collaborators who have contributed to the development and release of these transgenic crop varieties.
He urged all stakeholders, including farmers, extension workers, and private sector partners, to embrace the new crop varieties towards a more prosperous, sustainable, and food-secure future for Nigeria.
Earlier, the Director General of National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, gave the assurance that the new maize varieties would boost food production and end corn importation into the country.
While dismissing the fear of side effect for consumption of the maize varieties, Prof. Mustapha said the ew varieties have the capacity to produce at least 20tons of maize per hecter of land.
On the availability to farmers, the DG said there are large quantity available for.farmers but would be made available to farmers by March 2024.
He also informed that about 11 seed companies had been engaged so far to produce the new varieties, assuring that this will close the gap in maize importation.
He, however, assured that NABDA would not relent in leveraging biotechnology in tackling food insecurity.
In her own remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nke Asanye said the release of the new varieties is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
She the ministry would collaborate with her agric counterpart to ensure even distribution of the seeds to all the 774 LGAs in the country.
