The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has underscored the transformative potential of the newly introduced TELA Maize and other high-yielding crop varieties approved by the Federal Government.
The minister, who was speaking at the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) headquarters in Abuja, emphasised that these varieties are instrumental in elevating agricultural productivity and securing food sufficiency for Nigeria.
During a press briefing, Nnaji highlighted the approval of the transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties, collectively known as TELA Maize, by the National Committee on naming, registration and release of crop varieties, livestock breeds/fisheries. The recent approval, made at the 33rd meeting held at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan, represents Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging biotechnology to address critical agricultural challenges.
Nnaji outlined the multifaceted benefits of TELA Maize, including increased crop yields, enhanced resilience to pests and diseases, reduced environmental impact, and improved nutritional content. He urged all stakeholders, encompassing farmers, extension workers, and private sector partners, to actively embrace these new crop varieties as a collective stride toward a more prosperous, sustainable and food-secure future for Nigeria.
Addressing the logistics of seed distribution, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esubana Nko-Asanye emphasised the pivotal role of extension officers. She called for secure conditions for these officers who would traverse the country, ensuring that all 774 local government areas have access to the grain.
“We are requesting security for the extension workers who will now travel to all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria to make sure that all farmers, both local, domestic farmers, and mechanized farmers, have access to this grain,” she stated.
Echoing the sentiments of the permanent secretary, the director-general of NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha assured the nation that farmers nationwide would have access to these seeds by March, well before the next planting season.
“We are very ready for the accessibility of the grains by farmers. We already have a stock of these TELA Maize readily available for farmers; by March, they should be able to plant these crops,” Abdullahi assured. He further disclosed that at least 11 companies have been engaged to produce the seeds, with an open invitation for more companies to join the production efforts, ensuring widespread access for every farmer.
Reaffirming NABDA’s commitment to harnessing biotechnology for national development, Abdullahi stated that the agency would persist in utilizing biotechnology to address various socioeconomic challenges, actively contributing to Nigeria’s economic development. The TELA Maize initiative stands as a testament to Nigeria’s stride toward agricultural innovation, heralding a new era of enhanced productivity and food security.
