Nigeria is set to increase its maize production capacity by 10.5 million metric tons annually, bringing the national production output to over 20 million metric tons.
The minister of state for Agriculture and food security, Sabi Abdullahi who affirmed this at the official launch of genetically modified maize “Tela Maize” was optimistic that with adoption of the crop, Nigeria will not only be self-sufficient in maize production but can export around 2 million metric tons of maize annually.
The official unveiling and commercialization launch of the genetically modified maize known as “Tela Maize” has raised the hope that Nigeria maize production will increase from 6 million metric tons, to over 20 million tons annually in the next three years.
The minister of state for Agriculture and Food Security Sabi Abdullahi believes that the significant increase will underscore the transformative potential of technology in Agriculture development.
For the Executive Director, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Canisius Kanangire, the adoption of TELA Maize variety will boost maize yields, providing more food and income for farmers across the country.
According to them, the benefits of TELA Maize extend beyond its impressive yield as the crop will reduce chemical use for pest control, resulting in overall reduction in the cost of maize and feeds production and prices in Nigeria.
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
