In the face of the rising activities of anti-technologists in Nigeria, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, has said more information about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is needed to tackle those kicking against the technology.
Abubakar, who spoke when he received the executive director, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Dr. Canisius Kanangire, at the ministry’s office in Abuja, noted that anti-technologists kicking against the introduction of agricultural technologies can be effectively eliminated with the continuous presentation of factual and reliable information to demystify the subject matter.
The minister pointed out that genetic modification technology is not harmful but some of the fears expressed may be genuine.
“We need to work more to provide people with correct information that will help them make informed decisions about the technology.
“I have a very decent understanding of GMOs, but there is a lot we need to do to reach out to the people, especially farmers. We cannot make any meaningful impact in agriculture if we exclude technology,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, Kanangire said he was in Nigeria to thank the government and people for deploying technologies to enhance agricultural productivity in the country.
“The progress recorded by Nigeria will have an immense impact on the continent. Nigeria has taken a giant step in bringing technologies to the doorstep of her farmers. I have come to celebrate with you and to reiterate our determination to continue to work with you in your efforts to address food insecurity,” he added.
A statement by the AATF communications officer, West and Central Africa, Alex Abutu, said Kanangire was in Nigeria on a five-day working visit and met the director generals of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), the executive secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and the executive director, Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR).
