Embrace biotechnology for food security, says activist

The Convener of Food Avail and the Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), Frank Tietie has emphasised that embracing biotechnology is imperative for advancing food production in the country, stating that the old ways of food production are no longer sustainable, hence the need to embrace modern technology is imperative.

Tietie pointed this out in a chat with newsmen while calling on the Federal Government to dismiss critics and persist in deploying biotechnology to enhance food production in the nation. He expressed regrets that despite the government’s resolve to address hunger in the country, some persons are bent on frustrating the efforts. According to him, the release of genetically-modified beans and maize is a bold step taken by the government to boost food production in the country. We dispel the false and unfounded narratives driven by uninformed and economically-jobbing groups about genetically modified (GM) foods, which are products of biotechnology products.

“We maintain our support for the Nigerian government which began its GM research programme in 1987 and we are grateful to be reaping its benefits today. We maintain our support for the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), as the national authority on all issues of biosafety. If the NBMA says GM foods are safe for human consumption, then they are indeed safe without any adverse effects on humans, animals, and the environment. Therefore, we shall continue our campaign for greater application of safe modern biotechnology in agriculture to guarantee the right to food and to end hunger in Nigeria”, Tietie said.

Speaking further, the lawyer said that it is a thing of joy that the country is witnessing a revolution of technology in the areas of food production, medicine, and environmental sustainability through the deployment of biotechnology. “We are glad that we are not only witnessing the science revolution in the area of food, medicine, and environmental sustainability, but we have also become the beneficiaries of visionary leadership this country has had at the time in this area of biotechnology by harnessing the benefits of biotechnology and this has made it to put in place a legal environment that places a premium on the safe application of modern biotechnology, technics, and genetic engineering. The Nigerian government, as far back as 1987, has put legislation in place to encourage the application of biotechnology and genetic engineering as instruments of socio-economic development”, he added.

He, however, urged critics of this modern technology to refrain from kicking against policies that are mass-oriented and join hands in supporting the government in its drive to end hunger using biotechnology. Meanwhile, a delegation led by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has engaged in a strategic meeting with the Emir of Rano in Kano State, Ambassador Kabiru Inuwa, in order to gain support and advocacy for the adoption and production of pest Resistant Cowpeas. A statement signed by the Communication Officer (West and Central Africa) of AATF, Okpani Abutu revealed that the meeting, held at the Emir’s Palace in Rano, was aimed at soliciting the royal father’s support in promoting the uptake of Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) Cowpea, a genetically-modified crop designed to withstand the devastating impact of pests and enhance agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

According to the leader of the delegation, AATF Regional Representative for West Africa, Dr. Jean Baptiste, cowpea is a staple crop in Nigeria and plays a crucial role in addressing food security and nutritional needs, particularly in rural communities. “However, the crop is often plagued by the devastating impact of pests, notably the marucavitrata, which can cause significant yield losses if left unchecked”, he said. While addressing the pest challenges, Baptiste said AATF and partners have developed PBR cowpea varieties engineered to resist the destructive effects of the pod borer, offering a sustainable solution to improve yields and enhance farmer livelihoods. Baptiste then called for the support of the Emir in championing its adoption within the emirate, saying that the crop had the potential to improve the livelihood of farmers due to its prolific nature.

He emphasised the role of the PBR cowpea in reducing pesticide use, increasing yields, and improving food security for rural households. He also noted that rigorous scientific research and regulatory processes were undertaken to ensure the safety and efficacy of genetically modified crops, assuring the Emir of the integrity and reliability of PBR cowpea varieties. The Emir commended AATF for its dedication to advancing agricultural technologies that benefit smallholder farmers and rural communities. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance the resilience of local food systems. The Emir pledged his full support for the promotion and adoption of PBR cowpea within the Rano Emirate.