Farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have reported significant yield improvements from planting genetically modified (GM) crops, particularly improved varieties of cowpea and TELA maize, in recent planting seasons.
During a Farmers Field Day organised by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in Kuje Area Council, farmers expressed satisfaction with their harvests. They noted that planting PBR cowpea (Sampea 20T) and TELA maize resulted in higher productivity, better resistance to pests and improved food security.
Mrs. Judith Okpanachi, a farmer from Kwali Area Council, shared her positive experience with Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, which she has been farming for nearly three years. Initially skeptical about its impact on soil fertility, she found no adverse effects and noted that other crops continued to thrive on the same land. She emphasised that apart from its early maturity, ease of cooking and digestibility, the cowpea variety also proved resistant to weevil infestations.
“I started with a small portion, harvested, cooked, and ate without problems. The yield was much better than conventional beans, and storage was easier – no weevils even after three weeks,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Cyprian Ede, who owns a three-hectare farm of TELA maize, dismissed claims that GM crops degrade soil quality, making it impossible to grow other plants.
“At least, I did post-emergency weed management, which means grass can still grow, as you can see,” he stated, pointing to grasses that had sprouted after herbicide effects wore off.
Ede, who ventured into farming in 2017 due to economic challenges, also highlighted the superior yield of TELA maize compared to conventional varieties.
” Despite theft, in 10 plots, which is equivalent to one hectare of land, I harvested about 42 bags of maize,” he revealed.
He further explained that unlike other maize varieties that required extensive treatment against fall armyworm, TELA maize was naturally resistant to pests, reducing production costs and losses. Additionally, he noted its drought tolerance, which makes it a viable option for Nigerian farmers facing climate-related challenges.
Ede called on the Federal Government to support farmers by subsidising improved seeds, enabling them to increase their productivity and contribute to national food security.
Speaking at the event, deputy director of the FCT Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Olaseinde Mustapha, endorsed the adoption of GM crops like PBR cowpea and TELA maize, dismissing concerns over their safety. He attributed resistance to GMOs to opposition from chemical companies whose profits rely on selling pesticides and insecticides used in traditional farming.
“There’s nothing wrong with GMO. I’ve been eating it, and it is beneficial for farmers. Many people doubted it until they saw the results firsthand,” Mustapha said.
He called for a stronger nationwide awareness campaign to educate more farmers on the benefits of improved seeds, adding that misinformation continues to slow adoption rates.
Mustapha also praised TELA maize for its adaptability, describing it as a variety that not only thrives in harsh conditions but also possesses self-repairing properties.
“Even if it bends due to weather, it stands back up. Farmers need better access to these improved seeds to increase productivity,” he said.
Despite the promising benefits, many farmers remain unaware of these scientifically enhanced crops, which could help tackle Nigeria’s food security challenges. Mustapha urged the government and agricultural agencies to strengthen extension services through Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) in all states, ensuring that more farmers gain access to improved seeds, training, and technical support.
As global food demand increases and climate change continues to impact traditional farming, Nigerian farmers are beginning to see biotechnology as a viable solution. With government support and wider adoption of genetically improved crops, agricultural productivity in Nigeria could witness a major transformation in the coming years.
