Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Benjamin Kalu, has said that application of biotechnology in Nigeria’s agriculture sector is the key to unlocking the full potential of plant breeding.
This is just as the lawmaker called on the Federal Government to commit to funding agricultural innovations in plant breeding, as, according to him, this will allow the country to accelerate the development of crop varieties with desirable traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance and enhanced nutritional value.
Kalu said this in Abuja at the two-day maiden conference of the Nigerian Plant Breeders Association (NPBA), with the theme: ‘Advancing Plant Breeding Through Biotechnology Innovation: Fostering One Health and Nigeria’s Agenda 2050’.
He said funding of agricultural innovations will motivate plant breeders to continue creating novel crop varieties capable of mitigating the challenges posed by the ever-changing climate.
The Deputy Speaker further stated that there are needs for crop varieties that are not only resilient to climate change but also capable of providing higher yields and improved nutritional content.
He said the integration of technologies like gene editing and precision breeding techniques should be at the forefront of the nation’s efforts.
We must underscore the vital role that plant breeding plays in ensuring food security and addressing malnutrition.
“It is incumbent upon the government to commit to funding agricultural innovations in plant breeding, thus motivating our breeders to continue their crucial work of creating novel crop varieties capable of mitigating the challenges posed by our ever-changing climate.
Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 encapsulates the hopes and aspirations of our nation for the future. Among these aspirations is the development of mechanisms to ensure a sustainable environment in alignment with global concerns about climate change.
“Plant breeding within the agricultural sector has the potential to contribute significantly to achieving these goals,” he noted.
President of NPBA and Executive Director/CEO, National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Professor Chiedozie Egesi, in his address, said the association, through the integration of agricultural biotechnology, has expedited the development of crop varieties that are more resilient to both biotic and abiotic stresses.
Professor Egesi said this move has translated into increased agricultural productivity and food security for the nation.
“We have actively leveraged biotech-aided plant breeding to align with Nigeria’s Agenda 2050, ensuring that our efforts contribute directly to the nation’s long-term sustainability and prosperity.
“Our commitment to biofortification has had a profound impact on improving nutrition and health outcomes. We have made substantial progress in combating the burden of hidden hunger, particularly among vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
“Through our efforts, we are harnessing plant breeding to enrich plant-based diets with essential proteins. This not only improves nutrition but also promotes a healthier lifestyle among our citizens,” he said.
The Executive Director, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Dr Canisius Kanangire, who was represented by the Project Manager, AATF, Nairobi, Kenya, Professor Sylvester Oikeh, said the success stories of pod-borer resistant cowpea varieties, the first genetically modified cowpea globally, drought-tolerant and insect-protected Tela maize varieties are remarkable achievements of Nigerian plant breeders.
Kanangire said the achievements, not only deserve recognition but also celebration, as they hold the potential for transforming the country’s food systems and improve the lives of many Nigerians.
“Plant breeding plays a very important role in increasing crop productivity and diversity. It provides farmers with access to genetically improved varieties that yield more, resist biotic and abiotic stresses, and meet consumer expectations”, the AATF boss noted.
Post a Comment