Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said the new maize variety, ‘Tela maize’, will save the country over $268 million it loses to fall armyworm annually.
Nnaji noted Nigeria will save foreign exchange by importing over 400,000 metric tonnes of maize yearly.
The minister who spoke in Abuja yesterday during a visit to the demonstration site of Tela maize said, besides the new variety, Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea and Bt cotton exemplify innovation.
He noted the new bean variety heralds a huge 20 per cent yield hike per hectare, equivalent to an annual economic boom of N48 billion.
He said the feats achieved in Tela maize, PBR cowpea and Bt cotton are scientific milestones which show resilience and determination.
”This drought-resistance, resilient-on-pests, innovative maize species is a game changer. Beyond reduced reliance on chemicals, the economic implications are huge.
”This innovation will counteract annual fall armyworm-induced losses exceeding $268 million. It will save Nigeria’s foreign exchange in the importation of over 400,000 metric tonnes of maize annually.
“With the discoveries, Nigeria is among nations using science and technology to solve its challenges, especially in agriculture”, he said.
Director-General of National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, said the agency is working with partners to fast-track the President’s food security agenda.
Mustapha noted the agency has created awareness among the political class, farmers, and the public on the importance of biotechnology to national development.
He said: “Our mission is to innovate, to lead, and to make a difference in our citizens and beyond, via deployment of modern biotechnology tools.
“We believe by working with available resources, we can drive progress, create jobs, and improve lives.
“NABDA’s efforts and gains farmers are making with the biotech varieties (Bt Cotton and Bt Cowpea) developed by scientists at IAR, Zaria, with NABDA, AATF Kenya, other national and international collaborators”.
