The debate on genetically modified crops resurfaced this week with the commercial release by the Federal Government of Nigeria, transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties, known as TELA maize, a new statement by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has revealed.
According to the statement, the approved varieties are SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T, and SAMMAZ 75T which have all exhibited commendable traits such as drought tolerance and resistance to stem-borer and fall armyworm. These genetically modified maize varieties demonstrate a notable yield advantage of up to 10 tonnes per hectare under optimal agronomic practices, surpassing the national average of 6 tonnes per hectare for similar hybrids. They are well-suited for cultivation in rain forest, guinea, and Sudan savannas, AATF added.
It should be noted that there has been serious debate on GM crops especially about its safety for consumption in Nigeria. Nevertheless, the federal government remains undeterred citing the inadequate food production in the country with a rapidly growing population.
According to the World Food Programme, about 3.3 million Nigerians are acutely food insecure, and with more farming communities displaced by insurgency and banditry, it demands that urgent steps must be taken to address the rising huger in the country, which is worsened by high food inflation which hit 33.93 percent in December 2023.
Recent research published in the globally acclaimed leading journal, Elsevier, by Lanre Anthony Gabdegesin et al titled “GMO in Africa: status, adoption and public acceptance”, the researchers said that “The commercialisation and adoption of GM crops in many developed countries raised hope of improving food security and livelihood. Africa, a developing continent facing malnutrition, food crises and inadequate food production technologies.”
They added that the hesitancy to accept GM crops emanated from unfavourable policies shaped by public opinions, noting that there should be proper monitoring and surveillance systems, science-based policies and proper education of the public.
“There are several ongoing regional collaborations through the African Union (AU), African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and national research institutions through public-private partnerships to address problems faced by smallholder farmers regarding food production, environmental safety and knowledge transfer in Africa,” the researchers said.
Stem-borer infestations and fall armyworm outbreaks have historically posed substantial threats to maize production across Africa, leading to reduced yields implying that the environmental release approval granted by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) in October 2021 paved the way for the registration and commercial release of these improved maize varieties.
Notable Nigerian institutions that played key roles in the development of these maize varieties include the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Samaru, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) even as the collaborative initiative extended its impact to five countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Africa.
“IAR is very proud of our scientists who are addressing the maize productivity challenges in the country and beyond. These varieties have undergone thorough research and have been developed using the tools of biotechnology over several years of continuous testing and revalidation,” Prof Ado Yusuf, Executive Director, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Samaru, said.
In March 2023, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, the Rt Rev. Mathew Kukah lauded the TELA maize project in the country, as according to him, food would be readily available.
He said: “We are a nation where hunger is prevalent and our choices of what to eat or not to eat are limited. It is good to have food available for the people. Let them decide if they want to eat it or not because it is GMOs.
“Science can be a source of good or bad, so be as transparent in your research as much as possible so that people can have information to make informed choices. So long as the varieties you are developing and releasing are approved by the government and people’s right to make choices is respected, we are happy to spread the good news.”
Others who commended the release of the TELA maize include Professor Garba Sharubutu, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), and Professor Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA).
“This milestone underscores Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing biotechnological advancements for sustainable agricultural practices, with the release of TELA Maize poised to enhance food security, reduce pesticide dependency, and improve the overall well-being of farming communities. The success of this initiative reflects a broader dedication to leveraging innovative technologies for the benefit of agricultural development in Africa,” AATF said.
