Abuja: Dr Abraham Isah, Programme Officer of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB), Nigeria, has called on Northern governors to embrace the planting of Tela maize seeds to bolster food security in the region. Isah, who also serves as the Public Relations Officer of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, made this appeal during an interaction with newsmen, following an inspection of a Tela maize farm in Mashanono community, Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Isah expressed satisfaction with the growth of the crop and encouraged other farmers to cultivate it for increased profits at the end of the season. He emphasized that Tela maize is a transgenic, insect-resistant, and drought-tolerant variety, which should be widely adopted, particularly in Northern Nigeria, to aid farmers in overcoming the challenges posed by climate change.
"We are here to gather farmers' experiences with planting transgenic crops, especially the resistant coffee beans and Tela maize, to see how it has impacted their lives and the community. And to address concerns that farmers may not want to plant local crops after planting transgenic ones," he explained.
Isah highlighted that the northern region's favorable climatic conditions make it suitable for cultivating drought-resistant crops that require minimal water. He urged Northern governors to make these crops available to farmers and educate them on the benefits of cultivating Tela maize. He also reassured farmers of the safety and healthiness of these crops, advising them not to believe misinformation suggesting that transgenic crops cause infertility, cancer, or other health issues.
Alhaji Usman Abubakar, a farmer, shared his success story with transgenic crops, stating that he planted improved cotton and maize seeds, which resulted in significant profits each season. He noted that while he previously harvested only eight kilograms per hectare with local cotton seeds, the improved seed variety yielded 4.5 tons per hectare.
Abubakar's increased profits have enabled him to sponsor his three children at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), with two already graduated. Additionally, he has funded the drilling of eight boreholes in his community and undertaken other charitable projects through his foundation. His success led to his appointment as an adviser to the Adamawa State Governor on Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Development.
"For the maize, you have seen the difference for yourself. The local maize was damaged by pests, while the Tela maize remained pest-free and grew much better," Abubakar stated.