The introduction of a new maize variety ‘Tela maize’, would save the country over $268 million it loses to fall army worm annually, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has said.
The Minister further noted that the country would also save a significant foreign exchange it used to import over 400,000 metric tonnes of maize annually.
Chief Nnaji who made this known on Wednesday during a visit to the demonstration site of TELA maize said, apart from the new maize variety, the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea and Bt cotton exemplifies innovation.
He said the progress made in Tela maize, Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea and Bt cotton are more than scientific milestones which echo Nigeria’s resilience, determination and progressive spirit.
”This drought-resistance, resilient-on-pests, innovative maize specie is indeed a game changer. beyond the reduced reliance on chemicals,the economic implications are profound.
”This innovation will counteract the annual fall armyworm induced losses exceeding $268 million. It will also save Nigeria a significant foreign exchange in the importation of maize over 400,000 metric tonnes annually.
“With the discoveries, Nigeria is now among the league of nations using science and technology to solve its challenges especially in agriculture”, the Minister said.
The Director-general, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, in his address, said more biotechnology crops are on the way as the agency is working together with other partners to fast track Mr President’s food security agenda.
Mustapha further stated that the agency has been able to create awareness amongst the political class, farmers, and the public on the importance of biotechnology to national development.
”Our mission is clear: to innovate, to lead, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our citizens and beyond, via the deployment of modern biotechnology tools.
”We believe that by working tirelessly and strategically with availability of resources, we can continue to drive progress, create more jobs, and improve the lives of Nigerian citizens through the wonders of biotechnology.
”NABDA’s efforts and the gains of our farmers are making from commercially planting the two Biotech crop varieties (Bt Cotton with potential yield of 4.1 -4.4 tonnes /hectare as against 650-960kg of the local variety and Bt Cowpea with potential yield of 2.9-3 tonnes/hectare as against the local variety with 350 kg /hectare all developed by scientists at IAR, Zaria in partnership with NABDA, AATF Kenya, other national and international Collaborators”.
Also, the Director Agriculture Biotechnology at NABDA, Dr Rose Gidado said TELA Maize is an improved variety of maize with protection against insect and drought.
She said it’s a partnership project AATF/IAR/ NABDA/NASC. It’s high yielding, drought tolerant and insect protected.
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