…Gidado: Underscores the quality of seed as the nerve centre of modern agricultural practices
By Victoria Onyisi
The Director General (DG)/CEO, of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi, on Thursday called on Nigerian farmers to feel free to visit the research institution for information and clarifications on the ongoing research activities on biotech crops even as he underscored that collaboration between the agency and the farmers is overarching to attainment of food security in the country.
While addressing Nigerian farmers from across the country at the sensitization workshop for them in Abuja, he underscored the invaluable role of biotechnology in Nigeria’s national development, adding that the technology stands as a beacon of hope, a transformative force driving agricultural progress across the globe.
He said: “Today, we stand at the threshold of a new era where scientific advancements intersect with agricultural sustainability, productivity, and resilience.
“In this journey, farmer associations like yours play a pivotal role as the bedrock of our agricultural landscape.”
According to him, the benefits of biotechnology are vast and profound, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our agricultural sector.
From enhanced crop yields and improved nutritional content to resilience against pests, diseases, and adverse environmental conditions, biotechnology, the DG, added offers a spectrum of opportunities to propel our agricultural productivity to new heights.
Abdullahi, said: “Biotechnology fosters sustainable agricultural practices, reducing the dependency on harmful chemical inputs and promoting ecological balance.
“By harnessing the power of biotechnology, we not only safeguard the livelihoods of our farmers but also ensure food security for our nation.
The agency, he explained was established in 2001 under the Ministry of Science and Technology that implements policies, explores resources, conducts research, promotes, coordinates and develops of biotechnology in Nigeria.
“It has the mission to undertake research, development and innovation, promotion and deployment of appropriate biotechnologies for increased productivity and value chain development to enhance sustainable agriculture and food security.” he said.
“As farmer associations, your partnership and collaboration are instrumental in the adoption and dissemination of biotechnological innovations.
“Together, we can leverage the tools of science to empower farmers, enhance their productivity, and contribute to the socio-economic development of our nation.
“I urge you to embrace biotechnology as a catalyst for progress, to champion its cause within your associations, communities, and states. I also encourage you all to seize the myriad opportunities it presents for a brighter, more prosperous future for government ongoing efforts to ensure a food secured country.” He said.
In an interactive session with the media on the concern of seed scarcity, he however assured that GMOs/TELA MAIZE seed is available to farmers, adding that it may not be enough now because of the high demand and acceptability.
The DG, added: “The only thing is that it is not enough because, the acceptability of this seed is really wide, farmers have come in their large numbers to look for the seed.
“We are urging them to exercise patience. The seed that we produced this year may however not be enough to satisfy the farmers because we have large number of farmers in this country. Hopefully, by next year the seed will go round.
Also speaking at the sideline, Dr. Rose Gidado, a Director in the departure of Agriculture in the agency, while also speaking on the sensitization meeting for the farmers, said it is gladdening that the farmers are on the same page with NBRDA, adding: “The farmers understand what the agency is saying and that it will even make more impact when they get to the field, because they will understand better what we are saying as they will see that improved seeds of biotechnology when planted will give them 80%-90% germination and yield, which is a good return on their investment.”
Gidado acknowledged that seed is the nerve centre of agriculture, adding that once you get it right at the seed level every other thing follows.
She said: “You know that biotechnology seeds are improved seeds with high yields, they are resistant to pest and insects also with high nutrients rich in vitamin A and zinc which is very necessary for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children.
“If you are doing 12 sprays on a particular crop that is susceptible to insects and pest attack you will now do 2 to 3 sprays and that is a lot because reduction in cost is something because when the cost of production is reduce there will be profit margin.”
If you are not putting in so much into what you are doing of course at the end of the day the cost of the grain will not be that high, she added.
“Why are we suffering now, she asked?…this because most of our crop production are actually in deficit and not enough for the over 200 million population, we produce them in deficit we have cowpea, maize and cotton and they are made through importation and as you know Nigeria spends billions in importing.
“By the time we have improved seeds of these crops, there is a lot that Nigeria will gain like in our foreign exchange.”
On seed companies, the Director, said what the agency is doing now is building the capacities of companies so that they will be able to handle the production of the seeds, adding: “That is what we are doing, bringing them up to speed with the technology on what they should do.
“For now, we have only few may 4 to 5 seed companies that will actually handle the production of seed for Tela Maize, then for cowpea we also have few of them and for the Tela Maize and for cotton capacity is also being built up till now.”
Gidado, allayed fears, saying: “There is no cause for alarm everything must follow due process and you can’t just licence 10 companies to be producing seeds.
“You have to make them understand the technology while studying and bring them up to speed with it, how they can produce those seeds because they are not like the ordinary seeds.
“They have to see purity in the seed and has to be genetically pure so that when they plant, germination can be sure.
“When you have 100%, 80% and 90% germination rate you are done.”