The Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha has emphasised that the deployment of modern biotechnology in agriculture reduces the use of harmful chemicals on farm and preserves the environment
Mustapha stated this on Thursday at the One-Day Biosafety and Biotechnology Sensitization Workshop for Farmers’ Associations.
According to him, the benefits of biotechnology are vast and profound, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our agricultural sector.
“From enhanced crop yields and improved nutritional content to resilience against pests, diseases, and adverse environmental conditions, biotechnology offers a spectrum of opportunities to propel our agricultural productivity to new heights.
“Moreover, biotechnology fosters sustainable agricultural practices, reducing the dependency on harmful chemical inputs and promoting ecological balance. By harnessing the power of biotechnology, we not only safeguard the livelihoods of our farmers but also ensure food security for our nation”, Professor Abdullahi said.
“As farmer associations, your partnership and collaboration are instrumental in the adoption and dissemination of biotechnological innovations. Together, we can leverage the tools of science to empower farmers, enhance their productivity, and contribute to the socio-economic development of our nation”, he added.
In his remarks, the Regional Representative for West Africa for the African Agriculture Technology Foundation (AATF), Dr Jean Baptiste said the meeting marks a significant milestone in stakeholders’ efforts to empower Nigerian farmers with knowledge, resources, and innovative solutions that will drive sustainable agricultural development across the nation.
He said agriculture is not merely a livelihood, rather a noble calling, a cornerstone of the economy, and a pathway to food security, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
“Through this sensitization program, we aim to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and harness the transformative power of technology and innovation in agriculture. Together, we will explore best practices, exchange ideas, and chart a course toward greater resilience, productivity, and prosperity on your farms”, Baptiste added.
While interacting with Journalists, the National President of Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Dr Bello Abubakar harped on the importance of the sensitization workshop to farmers.
He said the farmers require trainings and sensitization on emerging technologies in order to be abreast with modern seeds and inputs the they get in order to maximize its potentials
“This is something that is very good for the farmers because the technology in farming is what farmers need sensitization on because they may just get some that is new to them which they don’t know, but with this kind of program, it is something that they will be aware and they will be sensitized so that they should know the kind of crop they were given and how they will benefit from it.
Also, a farmer, Mrs Judith Ekele while sharing her experience while cultivation Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), said “my experience is that in the financial aspect of it, I spent less cultivating GMO beans, this beans specie, you spray chemical about two times but the old you must spray at least five times.
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