Maize Farmers in Nigeria will soon get a boost, following the development of a new variety that can withstand drought and pest.
The new maize variety known as Tela maize is being developed by the Researchers at the Institute for Agricultural Research Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
The lead scientist on the project, Professor Rabiu Adamu, said that Tela Maize Research trials, have reached an advanced stage and will be available to Farmers in 2022.
When released the variety will bring about increased yield, higher income for farmers, and enhance food sufficiency in the Country.
According to statistics, 300 million people depend on maize as a source of food, and Nigeria with over 200 million population, produces 18 million metric tonnes of maize per annum as insects knowns as stem borers and fall armyworms destroy some million metric tonnes.
Experts estimate that demand for maize for both industrial and domestic consumption will double by 2025.
It is against this background that the Tela maize, a product of biotechnology, in modern breeding is being developed.
Dr. Maimuma Abdul Malik, also from the Institute for Agricultural Research, said that Tela maize through a genetically modified food is safe because GMO crops have disease resistance traits and health benefits.
Also Read: Experts push for Nigeria’s adoption of GMO to combat post COVID food crises
Nigeria is the largest maize producer in Africa followed by South Africa, Kenya,Tanzania, Mozambique, Uganda and Ethiopia.
Editor: Tunde Orebiyi
