Biotechnology is currently facing controversial challenges due to merchants of misinformation, but the importance of Genetic Modification in advancing agriculture cannot be overstated. Odimegwu Onwumere examines that biotechnology is now viewed as a necessity rather than a choice.
Dr. Rose Gidado, the Nigeria chapter coordinator of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa, urged the media to assist in raising awareness among Nigerians and farmers about the true essence of modern biotechnology. She emphasized the importance of farmers during this period of commercialization.
“Biotechnology is currently encountering controversial challenges on a global scale due to the dissemination of misinformation by anti-biotechnology activists,” she said. In addition, Gidado noted that it is important to mention that there has been no recorded evidence of any harm inflicted upon humans, animals, or the environment since the introduction of this technology over twenty years ago.
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The authorization for the commercial release of Pod-Borer Resistant Cowpea (PBR cowpea; AAT709A) was granted in January 2019. Towards the end of 2020, the NBMA issued guidelines on gene editing, and on October 8, 2020, the cultivation of TELA maize (drought and insect tolerant) was authorized. Nigeria also became the first African nation to introduce gene editing guidelines in December 2020.
