…Biosafety DG: Claims by anti-GMOs purveyors not based on scientific evidence, meant to create unnecessary fear, panic
…As Gidado reveals more factual information on TELA Maize crop
By Dele Ogbodo
Agriculture and food nutrition expert with the National Biotechnology Research Development Agency (NBRDA), Dr. Rose Gidado, has further debunked orchestrated misinformation, distraction and claims in some quarters on the safety of Genetically Modified (GMO) crops even as she reinforced the growing acceptability of biotechnology crops by Nigerian farmers.
Gidado, a Director at NBRDA, who revealed more factual information on TELA Maize, staple crop, informed EXTRAORDINAIRE.COM, that the TELA maize which was developed by Nigerian scientists at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) and promoted by NBRDA does not rely on terminator technology, adding that Instead, it utilizes genetic modification to introduce traits such as drought tolerance and insect resistance.
While there are growing concerns on the pervasive hunger across the country partly attributed to the high cost of staple crops, the Director, said: “It is important to note that TELA maize does not incorporate Genetic Use Restriction Technology (GURT), which is commonly known as terminator technology.”
According to her, TELA maize is a hybrid, created through the crossing of carefully selected parent lines, adding, however, being a hybrid does not automatically imply the use of terminator technology.
“The reduced vigor observed in subsequent generations of hybrids is a natural outcome of genetic segregation, not a result of engineered sterility.
“The transgenic traits present in TELA maize, namely drought tolerance and insect resistance, are unrelated to seed viability. These traits are intended to enhance crop performance, rather than control reproduction.” Gidado, said.
Therefore, TELA maize seeds remain viable and can be replanted. It is worth mentioning that replanting may lead to reduced performance due to hybrid genetics, but the seeds themselves are not sterile, she added.
She said: “It is important to highlight that there has been a widespread moratorium on the commercial use of terminator technology. TELA maize has been developed and approved under regulatory frameworks that strictly prohibit the use of terminator technology.
“TELA Maize is not the sole and first hybrid seed available in Nigeria. Various other conventional seeds also possess hybrid traits, which farmers have been purchasing and cultivating in our fields.
“Examples include the following: Maize Hybrids, Oba Super 1 and Oba Super 2, which are popular maize hybrids developed by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Ahmadu Bello University.
“SAMMAZ series: Developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
“Rice Hybrids: FARO 44 (Sipi), which is a hybrid rice variety developed by the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) in collaboration with international partners.
“NERICA (New Rice for Africa) varieties, which are hybrids that are developed by the Africa Rice Center to combine the high yield of Asian rice with the hardiness of African rice.
“Sorghum Hybrids: SAMSORG series, which are hybrid sorghum varieties developed by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) to improve yield and drought tolerance.
“Cowpea Hybrids:-IT89KD-288, which is a hybrid cowpea variety developed by the IITA, known for its resistance to pests and high yield.”
These examples, Gidado, asserted demonstrate that hybrid seeds are widely used in Nigeria to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, showing that hybridization is not exclusive to genetically modified crops alone.
Meanwhile, National Biosafety Management Agency, while corroborating the NBRDA Director’s explanation, assured that TELA Maize as the crop can be a panacea to the biting hunger across the country.
The Director General of the agency, Dr. Yemisi Asagbra, said her attention was drawn to the concerns of Nigerians as a result of the approval and launch of TELA maize in Nigeria.
Asagbra, said: “The NBMA takes into serious cognizance the concerns of Nigerians as maize is a staple crop and of great importance to the country. We understand that concerns and misinformation have been circulating about the recently approved TELA Maize in Nigeria.
“The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), is committed to ensuring transparency, safety, and unbiased decision-making regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
“NBMA wishes to state here that the safety and health of Nigerians is of topmost priority we will not compromise on this. The Agency has done a proper risk assessment and analysis to ensure this product’s safety for human health and the environment.”
According to her, the application for TELA Maize was thoroughly examined by two committees comprising of experts and scientists composed of experts from the various relevant Agencies and the Academia, namely National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), National Agricultural Seed Council (NASCs), universities, research institutions among others who are renowned professionals in the particular field and our internal review process confirmed that TELA Maize meets safety standards.
She explains: “This ensures that the regulatory oversight of GMOs by NBMA meets strict safety standards and poses no adverse risks to health or the environment.
“NBMA acknowledges that there have been misleading claims about TELA Maize, including allegations that it is fake and laced with insecticides/pesticides.
“These claims are not based on scientific evidence and are designed to create unnecessary fear and panic in the country as TELA maize was developed by Nigerian scientists in the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) and these scientists and researchers took into cognizance the challenge farmers have faced over the years in the planting of maize.
“This maize variety rather reduces the use of pesticides while boosting productivity thereby having better health benefits.
“We wish to assure Nigerians that this maize variety has been certified to be as safe as its organic or conventional counterpart as there are no chemicals or insecticides laced in them as claimed by some groups in Nigeria.
“The NBMA operates independently and without bias as our decisions are guided by scientific evidence, international best practices, and with the well-being of Nigerians in mind.”
TELA Maize was modified for insect resistance and drought tolerance and our risk assessment considered exposure to the environment, nutritional composition, and potential impacts on biological diversity, she added.