At the Second International Conference of the Nigerian Plant Breeders Association (NPBA), the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, highlighted the critical role of modern biotechnology in transforming plant breeding and boosting Nigeria’s agricultural productivity. Represented by Abubakar Abdullahi, Director of the Federal Department of Agriculture, Kyari emphasized that biotechnology not only shortens the breeding cycle but also increases precision in crop development, essential in addressing challenges such as population growth, climate change, and geo-political tensions affecting global food security.
Key developments such as improved cassava varieties, Bt cowpea, and Tela maize were celebrated for their impact on yield improvements, post-harvest loss reduction, and environmental sustainability. Innovations in cotton and banana production were also noted for advancing both local production and export opportunities. Despite these successes, the government acknowledged public concerns about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and emphasized plans to promote open dialogue and transparent communication to build public trust.
The conference, themed “Revolutionizing Agriculture through the Integration of Plant Breeding Strategies and Modern Biotechnology,” marked a new chapter in Nigeria’s agricultural evolution, reinforcing the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving sustainable growth. Professor Chiedozie Egesi, President of NPBA, stressed the need to build the capacity of young plant breeders, while the Director General of National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, highlighted biotechnology’s role in developing climate-resilient crops and improving agricultural productivity. Source: Tribune
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The integration of modern biotechnology with conventional plant breeding marks a major shift in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, presenting transformative opportunities for farmers and agribusiness stakeholders. The innovations highlighted during the NPBA conference—particularly in crops like cassava, cowpea, and maize—demonstrate that biotechnology can be a powerful tool in boosting yields, improving food security, and reducing reliance on harmful chemical pesticides.
For stakeholders, the successful adoption of Bt cowpea and Tela maize provides a model for leveraging biotechnology to address specific agricultural challenges such as pest resistance and climate resilience. The development of genetically engineered cotton and disease-free banana varieties further reinforces the idea that biotechnology can improve not just production levels but also quality and market competitiveness.
The challenge of public perception regarding GMOs remains a barrier that needs to be addressed. Stakeholders must engage with the government’s proposed open communication channels to ensure that misinformation is combated with scientific facts and safety assurances. Transparency in the regulatory process will be crucial in fostering public acceptance of these technologies, ultimately paving the way for wider adoption.
The emphasis on capacity-building for young plant breeders is an important long-term strategy for sustaining the momentum of biotechnology-driven innovation. This presents an opportunity for agribusiness investors and research institutions to support the development of a skilled workforce that can further Nigeria’s goals of achieving climate-smart agriculture and food sovereignty.
With biotechnology at the forefront of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, stakeholders are positioned to benefit from increased efficiency, profitability, and sustainability in the years to come.
