Abuja: Dr Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), says Genetically Modified crops have global adoption with notable impacts on productivity. Gidado made this statement in Abuja during a two-day workshop organized by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria, under the auspices of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop themed ‘Biotechnology and Biosafety: Building Trust through Science and Facts’ highlighted various aspects of agricultural biotechnology. During her presentation titled ‘Science of Agricultural Biotechnology,’ Gidado explained that despite concerns about food safety, the technology has significant potential to address pressing agricultural challenges in Africa.
She outlined the benefits of GM crops, which include increased yield and food security, enhanced pest and disease resistance, climate resilience, reduced environmental impact, and economic empowerment of smallholder farmers. Gidado noted that public skepticism and misinformation about GMOs are prevalent in Africa, largely due to inadequate communication from scientists and policymakers.
Gidado emphasized the importance of addressing concerns about health risks, environmental impact, and biodiversity loss, which contribute to resistance against GM crop adoption. She suggested that engaging communities, providing transparent information, and involving stakeholders in the decision-making process are essential to overcoming these challenges.
Discussing infrastructure and technical capacity, Gidado stated that the successful implementation of GM crop technology requires adequate infrastructure and technical capacity, which is currently lacking in many African countries. She stressed the need for building capacity in research, seed distribution, and trials to fully realize the benefits of GM technology.
She concluded by saying that Nigeria’s transgenic crop lines represent more than just scientific breakthroughs; they embody hope, resilience, and the prospect of a brighter future for millions of Nigerians. By harnessing biotechnology for sustainable agricultural development, Nigeria can enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and drive economic growth.