The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, on Thursday, reiterated the importance of modern biotechnology in enhancing plant breeding.
Kyari spoke at the second international conference of the Nigerian Plant Breeders Association (NPBA).
The minister, represented by the Director Federal Department of Agriculture, Abubakar Abdullahi, said modern biotechnology has become key to the development of new crop varieties as well as germplasm conservation.
Kyari said the technology reduces the timeframe for successful breeding cycle and also increases the precision of the breeding processes.
According to him, the rapid increase in population, climate change, and geo-political tensions across the world are straining the already fragile food supply system, which makes it necessary that all hands must be on deck to push the frontiers for food supply.
“The Ministry through the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and the various Research Institutes are tasked with the development of these novel Crop varieties for our teaming farmers.
“Development and release of Improved Cassava Varieties like TMS 97/2313, TMS 97/1825, and TMS 98/0572 by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). These varieties have significantly increased cassava yields and reduced post-harvest losses. It has also improved food security and income generation for smallholder farmers.
“The development of Bt cowpea, which produces its insecticide, has shown significant yield increases, reduced the need for chemical pesticides, leading to environmental benefits and increased profits and livelihoods of cowpea farmers.
“National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) has utilized tissue culture techniques to produce disease-free banana planting materials which enabled the rapid multiplication of high-yielding banana varieties, ensuring a consistent supply of planting materials. This has contributed to increased banana production and improved export opportunities.
“Genetically engineered cotton by the Cotton Research Institute (CRI) has reduced the reliance on chemical pesticides, leading to environmental benefits and improved cotton quality. These varieties have also increased cotton yields, contributing to the growth of the Nigerian cotton industry.
“Of course, the recently released Tela maize variety was developed through a collaborative effort between the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) in Nigeria. It is specifically designed to be resistant to the devastating effects of FAW. Tela maize incorporates genetic traits that confer resistance to FAW, thus reducing crop damage and increasing yields, making it a valuable option for farmers”, Kyari noted.
Kyari noted that despite biotechnology milestone achievements, the federal government is mindful of public concerns about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) programmes in Nigeria.
The concerns, Kyari said, are often rooted in misconceptions and misinformation.
“To effectively address these concerns and promote public acceptance, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security intend to open a Help-line Centre for Open and Transparent Communication with the members of the public to provide clear and accurate information about the science behind GMOs, their benefits, and the regulatory processes put in place to safeguard public health”, the Minister added.
Speaking, the President of NPBA, Professor Chiedozie Egesi said the theme of the conference, “Revolutionizing Agriculture through the Integration of Plant Breeding Strategies and Modern Biotechnology,” is not just a call to action, but a declaration of a new era in agricultural science.
“NPBA recognizes the power of innovation and will continue to foster the relevant transformational partnerships and linkages as part of our core values”, he noted
“NPBA considers this an important investment into the future of young scientists that will drive the ideals of nation-building. Nigeria is in dire need of plant breeders.
Also, the Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha expressed the belief that biotechnology is an innovative tool for transforming agriculture and addressing the complex challenges facing our nation.
“This conference provides a vital platform for experts to share knowledge, ideas, and best practices in plant breeding and biotechnology. I commend the Nigerian Plant Breeders Association for their tireless efforts in promoting cutting-edge research and collaboration,” Mustapha said.