Food Security: OFAB Showcases GM Tela Maize

L-R: The director-general, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha showcasing the TELA maize while the African Agricultural Technology Foundation regional representative in West Africa, Dr. Jean Baptiste watches during the field trip at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

In response to the growing curiosity and questions surrounding Tela Maize, the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria chapter, organised a “Seeing is Believing” demonstration farm visit to showcase genetically modified (GM) versions of commonly consumed crops, particularly Tela Maize.

At the one-day media field trip in Abuja, the director-general of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha highlighted that Tela Maize hybrid varieties were specifically developed to tackle critical challenges faced by farmers, such as pests and diseases that drastically reduce crop yields. He emphasised that Tela Maize holds the potential to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and beyond.

OFAB is an initiative of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) under the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).

“Tela Maize is safe for human consumption, and unlike traditional crops, it does not require chemical sprays for it to grow,” Mustapha stated. “Scientists at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria, along with key institutions like NBRDA, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), and AATF, have worked tirelessly to ensure that this crop is not only high-yielding but also safe for human consumption.”

He commended the NBMA for its instrumental role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of GM crops, particularly Tela Maize. “This is science,” Mustapha said “and it’s not just talk. We’ve shown you the farm, the surrounding vegetation and the thriving insect activity. The facts are at our disposal, and they are factual and verifiable. Anyone who wishes to know more is welcome. We are ready to provide all necessary information to further public understanding.”

Mustapha expressed gratitude to the media for their critical role in disseminating information about Tela Maize to the public. He noted that the media’s coverage had been vital in raising awareness about the crop’s benefits, including improved yields, drought tolerance, and pest resistance traits. He also highlighted that media efforts have been crucial in educating farmers and stakeholders about the potential of agricultural biotechnology to address food security challenges.

“Your coverage has provided a platform for informed discussions and debates on the adoption and regulation of genetically modified crops. Also, it has helped the message to reach a wide audience, including rural communities, policymakers and industry leaders,” Mustapha said. He urged journalists to continue building public understanding and acceptance of agricultural biotechnology by promoting evidence-based decision-making among stakeholders.

AATF’s regional representative in West Africa, Dr. Jean Baptiste echoed Mustapha’s sentiments, adding that Tela Maize is a climate-smart variety developed using biotechnology to help control pests such as fall armyworms and stemborers. “The benefits of Tela Maize allow farmers to increase their yields, meet food security needs, and generate extra income by selling surplus crops,” he said.

Baptiste further assured that once the NBMA approves a genetically modified product, it is safe for consumption. He praised Nigeria for being a leading example in Africa by embracing biotechnology to tackle food security challenges. “Nigeria has become an inspiration for other African countries in utilising biotechnology to solve food security issues,” he remarked, adding that Nigeria also produced the world’s first GM cowpea.

Director of agricultural biotechnology department at NBRDA, Dr. Rose Gidado reiterated the scientific basis of Tela Maize. “Tela Maize is not harmful to human health and no chemicals have been injected into it,” she explained. She debunked myths surrounding GMOs, such as claims that GM crops harm the environment by preventing the survival of surrounding organisms. “We’ve been planting GMO crops since 2016, and there’s no harm. You can see ants and butterflies and we are breathing clean air.”

Gidado encouraged journalists to help educate farmers on the benefits of farming Tela Maize, which she said could significantly help them grow their businesses in the face of climate change. She stressed the importance of farmers adopting this climate-smart technology to improve food security in Nigeria.

Stewardship manager at AATF, Dr. Francis Onyekachi emphasised that GMOs, including GM Tela Maize, are safe, natural and sustainable. He explained that GMO seeds could be replanted because they are not synthetic. “GM Tela Maize is developed to help reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture. It has the natural ability to fight insects, and you don’t need chemical insecticides,” Onyekachi said.

He further highlighted that GM crops offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional farming methods by reducing the reliance on harmful chemical sprays. This, he said, not only protects the environment but also enhances the health of farmers and consumers.

The demonstration farm visit provided an opportunity for stakeholders, farmers, and the media to witness firsthand the potential of Tela Maize and other GM crops. The event aimed to clear misconceptions surrounding GMOs and present factual, science-based information to the public. It also reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to adopting innovative agricultural technologies to combat food insecurity and improve livelihoods.

The “Seeing is Believing” demonstration by OFAB served as a critical platform for fostering a greater public understanding of agricultural biotechnology and its role in ensuring sustainable food production in Nigeria. The successful adoption of Tela Maize could offer a blueprint for addressing the country’s pressing food security needs while positioning Nigeria as a leader in the African agricultural biotechnology sector.