The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has said that with its efforts in the development and promotion of modern biotechnology in the country, more farmers were now planting Bt. Cotton, one of its innovative products and the hope of the textile industry revival was on course.
Director-general of the agency, Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, stated this on Friday at a biotechnology and biosafety sensitisation workshop in Abuja, with the theme: “The Role of Editors in Communicating Agricultural Biotechnology.”
He noted that biotechnology is a transformative force that holds immense potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria and the world at large, from healthcare to agriculture, energy to environment, offering solutions that can significantly impact the well-being of citizens and the sustainability of our resources.
Mustapha, however, rued the fact that because agricultural biotechnology can sometimes be laden with technical jargons that may be difficult for the public to grasp, communicating its ideals had proven difficult over time.
He, therefore, charged the media to bridge the gap between scientific language and the layperson’s understanding by reducing the scientific concepts into accessible language, enabling everyone to comprehend and appreciate the significance of biotechnological advancements.
“Moreover, I encourage you to showcase success stories and examples of agricultural biotechnology applications, highlighting real-life examples of how biotechnology has positively influenced agriculture which can inspire the public and demonstrate the tangible benefits of this innovation.
“Already, we have testimonies from farmers across the country who are benefiting from products of modern biotechnology in the country such as the pod borer resistant cowpea which is helping farmers overcome the devastating impacts of marcuca vitrata that causes 80 percent destruction on the farmers’ field. Today, our farmers are applying only 2 insecticide sprays as against 8 to 10 sprays previously as a result of planting the PBR Cowpea,” the director-general stated.
Mustapha further urged the media to while exploring the benefits of agricultural biotechnology, also be mindful of addressing potential risks and ethical considerations by providing a balanced view, incorporating diverse perspectives on biotechnology-related issues, and facilitating public discourse on the ethical implications and societal impact of biotechnology as this will help shape policies that prioritise safety, equity, and sustainability.
In her address, Director of Agricultural Biotechnology department, NABDA, Rose Gidado, reiterated that no trace of ill health or safety concerns had been traced to the two already commercialised biotech crops, Bt Cotton and PBR Cowpea in the market
She pointed out that with the current state of emergency declared in the country’s food and agricultural sector, the integration of biotechnology tools into the country’s agriculture had become imperative.
“It is expedient to note that agricultural biotechnology alone is not going to be an all-sufficient approach but for sure, it will definitely revolutionise national food production,” Gidado added.
Head, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology and Biotechnology awareness, Iweajunwa Sarah, said the aim of the workshop was to provide accurate and up-to-date information about advancements in the agricultural biotechnology sector since its adoption in Nigeria.
According to her, the overarching objective was to demystify the concept of modern agricultural biotechnology and address the misconceptions about its safety.
