The launch of TELA Maize varieties in Nigeria on June 11, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural journey. At the event, chair of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Board of Trustees, Professor Aggrey Ambali highlighted Nigeria’s forward-thinking approach to agriculture. He emphasised that the approval and introduction of TELA Maize and other biotech crops illustrate the nation’s commitment to leveraging innovative technologies to transform the sector. This perspective is crucial as Nigeria continues to tackle the complex challenges of food security, climate change, and economic development.
Ambali’s sentiments were echoed by the executive director of AATF, Dr. Canisius Kanangire who acknowledged the Federal Government of Nigeria’s role in fostering an environment conducive to agricultural innovation. By promoting policies that support technological advancements, the government has laid the groundwork for significant progress in agricultural productivity, with TELA Maize standing as a prime example of what can be achieved.
The TELA Maize hybrid varieties are a groundbreaking development, boasting a remarkable yield potential of up to 10 tonnes per hectare, compared to the current average of three tonnes per hectare for conventional varieties. This represents a significant leap forward in Nigeria’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity. As maize is the third most widely consumed cereal crop worldwide and a staple in Nigeria, with two-thirds of the population relying on it for food, livestock feed, fuel and industrial products, the importance of this advancement cannot be overstated.
Despite the critical role of maize in Nigeria’s economy, the country currently faces a production deficit. Nigeria produces only 12.2 million tonnes of maize annually, with an average grain yield of 2.2 tonnes per hectare, leaving a national shortfall of six million metric tonnes per year. However, scientific trials and evidence suggest that this deficit could be closed within the next three years if 1.5 million hectares of Nigeria’s six million hectares of arable land are planted with TELA hybrid maize varieties.
This potential was highlighted by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Sadi Abdullahi during the launch of TELA Maize in Abuja. He pointed out that the increased cultivation of TELA Maize could lead to an average additional production of 10.5 million metric tonnes per annum, bringing national production to over 20 million metric tonnes annually. This would not only make Nigeria self-sufficient in maize production but also position the country to export around two million metric tonnes each year.
The transformative potential of TELA Maize is further underscored by its resilience. These hybrid varieties are engineered to resist some of the most devastating threats to maize production, including drought and insect pests. By adopting TELA Maize, Nigerian farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides, leading to lower production costs and promoting environmental sustainability. This is a crucial step towards ensuring more stable and reliable harvests, which are vital for Nigeria’s food security and the health of its population.
The introduction of TELA Maize aligns closely with the vision of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to make Nigeria food secure. It also supports the government’s broader agricultural policies, which focus on enhancing the productivity and profitability of the agricultural sector. By equipping farmers with the tools and technologies they need to succeed, the government is laying the foundation for a more prosperous and resilient agricultural sector.
The positive impact of TELA Maize will extend beyond agriculture, resonating through various sectors of Nigeria’s economy. Increased maize production will stimulate growth in allied industries, create jobs, and drive rural development. It will also bolster the country’s national food reserves, providing a buffer against food shortages and enhancing the nation’s overall food security profile.
The deployment of biotechnological tools in Nigeria, such as TELA Maize, is guided by a well-structured national safety procedure and overseen by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA). This ensures that the introduction of such innovations is carried out responsibly, with the health of Nigerians and the environment as top priorities.
The official launch of TELA Maize varieties marks the beginning of a new era for Nigerian agriculture. It symbolises progress, resilience and hope for the country’s farmers. More than just introducing new crop varieties, this event heralds a new era of agricultural innovation and resilience in Nigeria and Africa. It is an opportunity that must be embraced to elevate the nation’s food security and create a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
Gidado is the director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).
