FG Approves Genetically Modified Maize for Open Cultivation

By Sodeinde Temidayo David

The federal government has approved the environmental release and open cultivation of Tela maize, a new genetically modified maize developed by researchers at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

This was wade known in Abuja on Sunday in a joint statement issued by the Communications Officer, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), West and Central Africa, Alex Abutu, and Information Officer, IAR, Zaria, Yakubu Dodo.

It was noted that the approval was contained in a certificate issued to IAR by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).

The new variety of maize is resistant to common pests known with the crop like the fall armyworm and stem borers. It is also tolerant to moderate drought.

In granting the approval, NBMA considered the advice of the National Biosafety Committee, the National Biosafety Technical Sub-Committee, and the risk management report provided by the applicant.

“The agency was convinced that there are no known adverse impacts to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, taking into account risk to human health.

“The permit, pursuant to this decision, is without prejudice to other extant legal requirements,” the statement said.

It further stated that the permit authorised the holder and persons covered by the permit to commercialise the Tela maize variety.

In his remarks, the Executive Director, IAR, Mr Ishiyaku Mohammed, said it was really inspiring for IAR to secure NBMA’s approval for the commercial release of the drought-tolerant and insect-resistant Tela maize.

He further disclosed that their intention was to seek another approval by the national variety release committee before making the seeds commercially available for farmers to plant in the 2023 cropping season.

On his part, the AATF Executive Director, Mr Canisius Kanangire, said the approval had shown that Nigeria was really the giant leading the way in Africa and ensuring that smallholder farmers benefitted from the technology.

According to him, the approval was a sign that progress had been recorded, especially in the quest to expand the options for smallholder farmers on the continent.

With the introduction of this new species of maize, it is forecasted that the productivity of Maize farmers will be enhanced.

The farming institute is set to conduct multi-location trials to evaluate the yield and adaptability of the Tela hybrids.

The Tela maize project in Nigeria is also part of an international consortium coordinated by AATF, involving Bayer, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), and the National Agricultural Research Systems of seven countries, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.