*Insists TELA Maize is pest and drought resistant
*GM crops not harmful to humans
– Dr Abdulmalik
By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has expressed its determination to continually carry out researches that will improve the livelihood of farmers and enhance food security in the country by introducing varieties of crops.
The Director Research of the institute, Prof. Ado A. Yusuf, who was represented by Prof. Lucius l. Bamaiyi, Assistant Director (Research), while on visit to New Nigerian Newspapers Head Office in Kaduna on Thursday November 28, 2024 as part of tour of key media houses, explained that the institute established since 1922, has been working towards the progress of farmers in Nigeria.
According to him, “Whatever research the institute carries out, is with a view to improving the livelihood of farmers and Nigerians as a whole by ensuring food security in the country.”
To achieve their desires, he stated that varieties of maize and other crops have been released since its establishment, stressing that the varieties introduced are meant to enhance its production in the country through the use of scientific ways of modifying the genetic composition of crop varieties.
He lamented that farmers are being faced with pests ravaging the crops from the desired harvest.
Bamaiyi said, “Early planting of maize by farmers faces the problem of drying the crops during the raining season after harvest.
“Late planting of maize attracts pests that attack, resulting in insignificant harvest.” He added.
He advised farmers to stop buying insecticides to control the damage of the pests to the crops due to their danger, instead, they should plant genetically modified (GM) improved seedlings that would solve the problem.
Bamaiyi stated that following the damage done to farmers by pests, science felt how to ameliorate the damage and came up with developing a Maize variety, TELA, that is resistant with the attack by the insect pests as well as drought due to climate change.
He added that it is the simplest means of adaptation by farmers because all is done is to get the seed, plant them and maintain them as normal.
He assured that the institute would not partner with anything that will be detrimental to farmers and efforts by government to enhance food security in the country.
Explaining further, he said that TELA Maize yields gives 80 bags from Just one hectare.
“Farmers realize it’s better to buy F1 seed because of the yield. Not only TELA Maize, for any GM once you go for F2, it reduces yield,” he advicesd.
According to him, as a research institute, they have demanded for the parent line of TELA Maize so that they can develop it with Nigerian climate.
Speaking further, he said that, “We are here for development, Nigeria needs development, that’s why we are here. You are all aware Nigeria is a giant of Africa with over 200m population, so we need food security, which informs biotechnology. Agricultural biotechnology because IAR deals more with food crops, maize, sorghum and cowpea,” he said.
He added that Maize is very important in Nigeria, “no family doesn’t eat something related to maize. At IAR, maize is one of our priority crops. We use generic modifications to improve yield,” he stressed.
Also speaking, Dr. Maimuna Mohammed Abdulmalik, LEAD, Department of Plant Science, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), said that farmers in the country have been advised to embrace biotechnological seeds in farming for improved yields, while consumers are advised not to be afraid of genetically modified (GM) crops because they are not harmful.
According to her, Biotech has come to stay in order to prevent insects and pests from diminishing crops yield, especially maize which has become staple in almost all homes in the country
“Hybrid crops are good for farmers in the country and technology will not only give them more yields it will also save the country foreign exchange.”
“With higher and more reliable maize production, TELA maize is the game changer in enhancing food and nutrition security in Nigeria. This is especially important, given the growing population and the demand for food.
She disclosed that 90 per cent of Nigeria’s farming communities are small holder farmers in the rural areas, and that with TELA Maize their production capacity will be enhanced to feed even the urban populace.
Dr. Abdulmalik explained that by reducing losses due to pests and drought, TELA maize can significantly boost farmers’ yields and incomes as Nigeria spends over 900 billion Naira (over USD 600 million) annually importing chemicals excluding cost of spraying to protect maize against the fall armyworm ravaging fields adding that by using TELA Maize varieties, it will result in increased livelihoods and contribute to Nigeria’s overall economic growth.
Liking humans and plants, she said if an ugly man wants fine children he goes for a beautiful woman only finally have fine children that are thieves because of the trait they took from their mother.
“Genetical make of plants and humans are the same, they are the same number which makes every individual unique. Which we use genes that are you same,” she said.
Other members of the team during the visit included; Prof. Rabiu Adamu, Coordinator TELA Maize and Prof. Muhyideen Oyekunle a breeder.
