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Tag: TELA Maize

  • Farmers share experiences on high-yield PBR cowpea, Tela maize 

    Farmers share experiences on high-yield PBR cowpea, Tela maize 

    Farmers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and neighbouring States have shared benefits from the experience of growing the improved crop varieties such as Sampea 20T , the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR ) cowpea and the TELA maize , citing high yields, reduced pesticide use, and better storage quality. 

    The farmers, while sharing their experiences with journalists recording benefits of growing PBR cowpea and TELA maize, called on  the  Federal Government to support researchers and connect them with farm inputs to get better yields.

    Speaking during the Farmers’ field day in Kuje, Abuja  organised by the National Biotechnology  Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), in collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation  (AATF), a farmer from Kwali Area Council of the FCT, Judith Okpanachi shared her positive experience with Sampea 20T, a variety of cowpea (beans), which she has been farming for nearly three years. 

    Okpanachi, who said she was skeptical farming PBR cowpea initially due to her sensitivity to beans, noted that she was surprised by its digestibility and productivity.

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    “I started with a small portion, harvested, cooked, and ate without problems. The yield was much better than conventional beans, and storage was easier no weevils after three weeks,” she explained.

    Similarly, a farmer from  Keffi, Nasarawa State, Cyprain Ede noted the suitability of TELA maize for making local foods like semo and its preference among food vendors due to its superior texture.

    On harvest, Ede noted that he got a total of 42 bags of TELA during harvest in 10 plots of land which is a hectare of land, while he usually gets 25 to 35 bags with conventional varieties of maize. 

    “In 10 plots which is a hectare of land, I get 42 bags compared to the conventional varieties which I used to get 25, 32 or 35 bags”.

    Also, a farmer in Kuje, Damaye Yohanna compared PBR cowpea to conventional beans, stating that it required fewer pesticides and produced significantly higher yields. 

    “I farmed five hectares and got 11 bags, compared to just three bags from the same land using conventional beans,” he said.

    Deputy Director of the FCT Agricultural Development Program (ADP), Olaseinde Mustapha, backed the adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops like PBR cowpea and TELA maize. 

    He dismissed concerns over GMOs, attributing resistance to opposition from chemical companies.

    “There’s nothing wrong with GMO. I’ve been eating it, and it is beneficial for farmers. Many people doubted it until they saw the results firsthand,” Mustapha said, calling for a stronger nationwide awareness campaign to promote the seeds.

    He also highlighted the resilience of TELA  maize, a variety known for its lush growth and adaptability. 

    “Even if it bends due to weather, it stands back up. Farmers need better access to these improved seeds to increase productivity.”

    Despite the promising benefits, many farmers remain unaware of these improved seed varieties, he said. 

    Mustapha urged the government and agricultural bodies to strengthen extension services through ADPs in all states.

  • Understanding Tela maize benefits, future prospects

    Understanding Tela maize benefits, future prospects

    The Federal Government’s recent launch of TELA maize varieties has sparked mixed reactions. In this special report, NICHOLAS KALU and JULIANA AGBO provide an in-depth analysis on the introduction and implications of genetically modified TELA maize in Nigeria, covering controversies, benefits, regulatory frameworks, and addressing concerns over food security, health impacts and socio-economic implications

    The announcement that the Federal Government had launched the transgenic TELA maize varieties in the country raised concerns in some quarters. The TELA maize variety belongs to a category known as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). These crops have been genetically modified to be more resistant to pests and to yield more produce. The concerns raised by some GMO opponents prompted the House of Representatives to call for a halt to GMO crops in Nigeria pending an investigation by its committee.

    In an attempt to address these concerns, the Federal Government stated that the launch of the TELA maize variety aims to close the national maize production deficit, estimated at six million tons annually. This effort is part of a broader agenda to ensure food security. To allay fears, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, emphasised that the ministry is committed to the formulation, implementation, and support of health-related policies and programmes. Regarding genetically modified crops, the ministry is guided by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), which operates under the Federal Ministry of Environment. The NBMA is responsible for ensuring that modern biotechnology and its products do not harm human health or the environment.

    The TELA maize initiative is led by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other partners, and developed by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State. This genetically modified maize is designed to be tolerant to drought and resistant to fall armyworm, a pest that farmers report can destroy nearly 100 per cent of maize in the field.

    The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, stated at the launch that the TELA maize variety will address the national deficiency in maize production, which is estimated at six million tons annually. Abdullahi added that this deficit will be closed within the next three years if 1.5 million hectares of Nigeria’s six million hectares of farmland are used to plant the TELA variety. He explained that this would result in an average additional increase of 10.5 million metric tons, bringing national production to over 20 million metric tons.

    This increase, he said, will not only make Nigeria self-sufficient in maize production but also enable the country to export around two million metric tons annually. According to Abdullahi, the positive impact of TELA maize will be felt across various sectors of the economy. He added that increased maize production will stimulate growth in related industries, create jobs, and drive rural development.

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    However, the Minister’s assurances have done little to quell the concerns of many people, which contributed to the resolution of the House of Representatives. The primary fear is that the TELA maize variety, being laboratory-made rather than naturally occurring, is part of a Western agenda led by Bill Gates. Critics argue that this agenda goes beyond economic exploitation and control, aiming at a more sinister goal: population reduction. These skeptics claim that the genetically modified varieties are not just insect-resistant but are injected with toxins intended to cause sterility and diseases, leading to death and reducing the population. They believe that the nutrients humans need have been removed from the crops and replaced with harmful substances.

    According to these theories, past attempts to reduce the population through Ebola, HIV and COVID-19 failed because Africans relied on organic food. Now, the fear is that GMOs are the latest attempt to undermine the immune systems of Africans by replacing organic food with genetically modified alternatives. Some even believe this is part of a broader plot to replace humans with artificial intelligence. Additionally, there is concern that GMO seeds, including TELA maize, cannot be replanted, forcing farmers to buy new seeds every season, which can be modified at will.

    Proponents of the TELA maize feel the government is not doing enough to enlighten the public and bridge the gaps that breed mistrust. Responding to queries on GMOs and TELA maize, Dr. Sylvester Oikeh, the TELA Maize Project Manager at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), stated that there was no cause for alarm, dismissing the concerns as baseless. Addressing the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Dr. Oikeh emphasised the importance of establishing their safety. He noted that GM foods that have passed regulatory scrutiny and been approved are considered safe to eat. This assessment is supported by various organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Nigeria’s National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), and numerous Academies of Sciences around the world.

    He said, “For one reason or another, some countries chose to import GMO foods and not grow them. Examples are most countries in Europe while most countries chose to produce for local consumption and export surplus for income. Examples are USA, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, to mention a few. Nigeria has joined such countries.”

    Addressing concerns that China, which initiated GMO crops, and many other countries have banned them, Dr. Oikeh pointed out that China imports a significant quantity of GM soybeans and corn (maize) for both human and livestock feed. “In 2024, China approved 27 GM corn seed varieties and three GM soybean varieties for cultivation to bolster domestic production and reduce its reliance on imports. Other GM crops approved in China to be grown for commercial purposes, include corn, cotton, and papaya. The Federal Government of Nigeria also recognises the potential for some GM crops to be produced locally to bridge the productivity gap and reduce reliance on imports to save the huge foreign exchange on food imports for the country,” he said.

    Addressing concerns that GMO crops will lead to loss of original and natural seeds planted over the years by farmers, he said, “There is no evidence that the introduction of GM crops will displace existing seed systems. Farmers have always decided what they want to plant. GM crop varieties are just one additional tool in the farmer’s toolbox to address the twin pressing needs of pest pressure and climate variability. Farmers are free to save their grains and use them for subsequent planting as ‘seeds.’ Regarding concerns that GMO crops will lead to increased and severe hunger because the seeds cannot be replanted, Dr. Oikeh clarified that farmers can choose to replant saved GMO grains as seeds, but the yield will drastically reduce. He said, “So, it is possible to save and replant grains as ‘seeds’ but the crop won’t be uniform on the field, and it loses a unique characteristic that scientists call  hybrid vigour. It is a vigour because the genes from the original parents in the saved grains as ‘seeds’ start segregating, thus reducing the potential of the seeds.”

    Dr. Oikeh also addressed concerns that farmers and traders are not adequately informed about GMO crops to make informed choices about whether to plant them. He explained that research and development for GM crops in Nigeria have been ongoing for more than 10 years at various research centers. Multiple confined field trials and national performance or variety certification trials have been conducted with farmers in different states. He noted that during these trials, information campaigns were undertaken to educate farmers and the public. For example, with PBR cowpea, farmers in cowpea-producing states have been sensitized and educated on the benefits and safety of the beans.

    Reacting to the House of Representatives’ order to halt GMO crops in Nigeria pending an investigation, Dr. Oikeh emphasised that approvals for GM crops are granted by the Federal Government through its mandated agency, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), along with other supporting institutions. These competent agencies closely examined and cleared TELA maize as safe for cultivation and consumption by the Nigerian public. Dr. Oikeh reassured the public of the health safety of TELA maize.

    On fears about the health implications of consuming GMO seeds and taking substances alien to the body. Dr. Oikeh explained that GMO crops undergo rigorous health and safety research under the supervision of the NBMA to ensure they are safe for humans, livestock, and the environment.

    According to him, Nigerian authorities adhere to the most rigorous global standards when approving crops for food and feed. Addressing accusations that the AATF and the Federal Government have a hidden agenda regarding GMOs, which is why they are being forced on the people, he emphasised that the government is the principal custodian of the health and safety of its citizens and would not authorise unsafe food or practices. He added that food security is a primary agenda for all countries worldwide, and Nigeria is keen to leverage the benefits of modern agricultural technology to transform the economy and reduce dependence on large food imports, which are often GM foods. The Principal Investigator of TELA Maize, Professor Rabiu Adamu, who led the team of scientists to develop the new crop varieties at the IAR, Zaria, highlighted the health benefits of adopting the hybrid maize varieties. According to Adamu, the widespread and intensive cultivation of TELA maize will have public health benefits, such as reducing grain damage, which predisposes the grains to mycotoxins. It will also decrease the usage of pesticides and reduce farmers’ exposure to pesticide hazards.

  • TELA Maize paves way for Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in maize production

    TELA Maize paves way for Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in maize production

    Efforts to ensure Nigeria becomes self-sufficient in maize production received a significant boost recently with the approval of maize varieties developed to resist insect pests such as Stem Borer, Fall Army Worm and drought. JULIANA AGBO, writes

    Nigeria is poised for a revolutionary transformation in its agricultural landscape as it takes significant strides towards achieving self-sufficiency in food production.

    The recently approved TELA maize, resistant to insect pests such as Stem Borer, Fall Army Worm, and drought, marks a groundbreaking development in the country’s pursuit of enhanced agricultural productivity. As a result, farmers will spend less money on insecticides and reduce their exposure to these chemicals

     Approved recently by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock breeds/Fisheries (NCNRRCVLF) during its 37th meeting at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), the TELA maize varieties have brought relief to farmers and Nigerians at large.

    Led by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, in collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), the development of these improved maize varieties showcases Nigeria’s commitment to embracing innovative solutions to address challenges in agriculture.

     The four approved varieties, namely SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T, and SAMMAZ 75T, exhibit drought tolerance and resistance to stem-borer and fall armyworm, resulting in a potential yield advantage of up to 10 tonnes per hectare under favorable agronomic practices.

    The release and registration of these varieties follow environmental release approval granted by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) in October 2021.

    The TELA maize is expected to reach farmers between March and April, offering a promising solution for wet season cultivation.

    Key facts about TELA maize

    Through the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is leading the TELA Maize Project, a public-private partnership that is addressing the problem of drought in maize and destructive insects, specifically stemborers and fall armyworm.

    The word ‘TELA’ is derived from the Latin word TUTELA which means ‘Protection’.The TELA Maize Project builds on progress made from a decade of excellent breeding work under the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) Project. The TELA Maize Project is currently implemented in 7 countries – Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.

    The vision of the project is to increase maize productivity in Africa whilst creating employment opportunities for women and youth, while the project’s goal is to increase uptake and use of proven high-yielding climate-smart maize technologies by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

    However, the supply chain in manufacturing and distribution of the new breed opens up new business opportunities for seed companies and distributors across the sub-Saharan region. Given the breed’s enhanced resilience, adoption of Tela Maize will increase food production and thereby enhance the continent’s food security.

     Addressing Agricultural Challenges:

    The development of TELA maize is a response to the challenges faced by Nigerian farmers, including traditionally low yields due to drought and pest attacks, particularly by the devastating Fall Army Worm.

    The destructive impact of pests like Fall Army Worm alone can lead to losses exceeding 70 percent in maize production.

    Data from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in 2020 highlights the existing supply-demand gap, with Nigeria producing approximately 10.5 million metric tons of maize per annum against a demand of 15 million metric tons.

     Despite its high production volumes, maize farming in Nigeria has suffered from low average yields, lagging behind other African countries like Egypt and South Africa.

    TELA Maize: A Game-Changer for Nigeria’s Economy:

    Principal Investigator of the TELA maize project at the IAR, Professor Rabiu Adamu, emphasizes the transformative impact of these varieties on Nigeria’s maize cultivation. With the commercialization of TELA maize, farmers can expect reduced expenditure on pesticides, resulting in a healthier environment free from pesticide pollution.

    The TELA maize varieties promise a substantial yield increase of 9 to 10 tons per hectare, surpassing other hybrids that typically produce 6 to 7 tons per hectare.

    Professor Adamu anticipates a 20 percent increase from these improved varieties, contributing to enhanced food security and the sustainability of maize production in Nigeria. In addition to increased productivity, the commercialization of TELA maize is expected to save Nigeria approximately $265 million, as farmers will no longer need to import insecticides for maize production.

    This financial saving is a significant boost to the country’s economic resilience.

     Adamu was optimistic that Nigerian farmers would have access to the seeds for planting by March this year noting that already, the research team had envisaged a high demand due to the varieties high performing qualities.

    “We are working with our partners on seed availability, by April we will have enough quantity, we are working with our licensed partners who are into seed multiplication and marketing. By May it should be in the market for everyone to access, this is to ensure that it gets to the hands of everyone for the wet season farming”, he said.

    The Executive Director of IAR, Prof Ado Yusuf, and AATF’s Executive Director, Dr Canisius Kanangire, both emphasize the rigorous research and development processes that have contributed to the approval of TELA maize.

     Its release aligns with the Federal government’s agricultural transformation agenda and reaffirms biotechnology’s potential in ensuring food and nutrition security in Africa.

    Anticipated Impact on Farmers:

    Farmers across Nigeria eagerly await the availability of TELA maize, expected to reach them between March and April. The President of All Farmers Association (AFAN), Architect Kabir Ibrahim, acknowledges the game-changing potential of TELA maize, anticipating higher productivity that could significantly alleviate poverty and enhance food security.

     Ibrahim said the new maize varieties will bring about food security and the farmers support it 100 percent.

    “We saw how the TELA maize was developed, a lot of confined field trials were carried out across the geopolitical zones, farmers were involved one on one and they have shown interest. They have shown the willingness to cultivate it, they are in a haste to get the seed to cultivate”.

     Young maize farmer Mohammed Saliu from Kaduna State expresses optimism about TELA maize relieving farmers of the stress caused by pests and drought.

    He believes that the new variety will not only save farmers money on pesticides but also substantially boost production, leading to a better advancement in maize production for the country.

    “The variety of maize we are using now gives us about four (4) to five (5)tons per hectare, but with what we have here, we can get up to eight (8) tons per hectare, this is a better advancement in maize production”.

    Meanwhile, the commercialization of TELA maize is a transformative step for Nigeria, signaling a shift towards sustainable agriculture, increased productivity, and enhanced economic resilience.

    As these new varieties become available to farmers, the nation looks forward to reaping the benefits of this innovative solution in its journey towards agricultural self-sufficiency.