Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha. DG. National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA

In a bid to tackle food insecurity in Nigeria, the National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA has concluded plans to release an insect and drought-resistant maize to farmers.

The Director General of the agency, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha revealed this during the NABDA Day at the recent Science Technology and Innovation Expo 2023 in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Prof. Mustapha said the new variety of maize to be released soon will be farmer’s choice as it would guarantee high yield and off-season farming.

“We are working on a new variety of maize. Very soon, I will be attending a committee meeting to see that we release the variety of maize that is insect-resistant and drought resistant. The farmers are anxiously waiting for the release. This specie of maize has high productivity, high tolerance and insect resistance” he said.

On Cowpea production, Prof Mustapha said that NABDA in collaboration with other institutions is commercializing cowpea.

According to him “We started cowpea production because it is a common food in Africa, most especially in Nigeria and for its nutritional value.

“We are the largest producers of cowpea in Africa, we produce about 47 per cent of cowpea planted in Africa. However, we consume about 46 per cent”.

The DG disclosed that farmers that have used the varieties are clamoring for more as it has more yield and reduced costs of chemical purchase for pest control.

Prof. Mustapha also called on investors to collaborate more with NABDA to commercialize its research efforts.

“This is what we produce in NABDA and this is our contribution to the economy. We call on investors to collaborate with us, put heads together, put our strength together so that we can add value to the resources that we have to create wealth, and boost the economy of Nigeria.

“We have to start thinking of investing in biotechnology, so we can get it right from now” he said.

The DG noted that in an era of increasing population growth, biotechnology remains the viable and sustainable solution to global food insecurity.