NBRDA Unveils TELA Maize Farms
George Okoh
The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) yesterday, welcomed media representatives to its pioneering TELA Maize demonstration farms.
Director General/CEO of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, emphasised the agency’s pivotal role in promoting biotechnology research and development in Nigeria.
TELA Maize, a genetically modified crop, boasts impressive insect-resistance and drought-tolerance features.
This innovation has garnered international acclaim, positioning Nigeria as a leader in biotechnology research.
He said TELA Maize hybrid varieties demonstrate increased resistance to pests and drought, leading to higher yields and better crop quality.
Furthermore, he said Nigeria could reduce reliance on imports, boosting food security and supporting economic growth.
Mustapha credited the crop’s development to the combined efforts of scientists from the Institute of Agricultural Research, Zaria, and stakeholders from institutions such as the NBRDA, the National Biosafety Management Agency, the National Agricultural Seeds Council, and the AATF.
“They have worked tirelessly to ensure that this crop is not only high-yielding but also safe for human consumption,” he added.
Mustapha, expressed pride in the progress and reiterated the commitment to improving food security through biotechnology.
He said: “Nigeria is inspiring other countries in Africa by taking the lead in exploiting the potential of biotechnology to solve food security issues.
“For example, cowpea was the first genetically modified variety released globally, and Nigerian scientists under Nigerian regulations did it. Nigeria should be proud of that.”
The agricultural expert dispelled rumours about the safety of TELA maize, stating that it underwent rigorous testing and safety measures.
“We ensure that the environment will not be affected when you release this product in nature. Non-target organisms such as rodents, bees, and pollinators have been evaluated for the safety of the product,” he explained.
He noted that the TELA maize variety has been hailed as a “climate-smart” technology that helps farmers cope with issues related to drought and pest infestations, including fall armyworms and stem borers.
“This maize variety is a triple-purpose technology. It confers resistance to drought, enables farmers to control pests, and increases yields.”
Director, Agric Biotechnology, Dr. Rose Gidado, said genetic modification was taking farming and agriculture to a new height that would see Nigerian farmers rising to become as prosperous as their counterparts in countries like Brazil, Canada, US, among others.
