Better yield: PBR cowpea, Tela maize farmers call for seed subsidy
Despite ongoing debates about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Nigerian farmers cultivating Pod Borer-Resistant (PBR) cowpea, TELA maize, and Bt cotton have reported significant yield improvements and reduced input costs. These bioengineered crops, developed by Nigerian scientists, are helping smallholder farmers tackle challenges such as pest infestations, climate change, and inconsistent harvests.
Since its commercial release in 2020, PBR cowpea (Sampea 20T) has provided an effective solution to the legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata), which previously caused up to 80% pre-harvest losses in conventional cowpea farming. Farmers growing this variety have observed higher yields while significantly reducing the use of chemical pesticides.
Similarly, TELA maize—launched commercially in 2024 after extensive safety checks and trials at Ahmadu Bello University—has demonstrated resilience against drought, fall armyworm, and stem borer infestations. Farmers cultivating TELA maize reported increased harvests compared to conventional varieties, with some achieving up to 42 bags per hectare, compared to 25–35 bags using traditional maize varieties.
During a recent Farmers’ Field Day in Kuje and Kwali, organized by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) in collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), participating farmers shared firsthand experiences of improved productivity and efficiency. They urged the government to subsidize the seeds, making them more accessible to smallholder farmers to sustain these benefits.
Judith Okpanachi, a farmer from Kwali, highlighted how the improved cowpea variety not only delivered higher yields but also required fewer pesticide applications—cutting down from 12 sprayings to just three. Another farmer, Damaye Yohanna from Kuje, noted that PBR cowpea significantly increased output per hectare while reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides.
Similarly, Cyprain Ede from Nasarawa State attested to the suitability of TELA maize for local food processing, particularly its preference among food vendors due to its improved texture and quality. Farmers also debunked concerns that GM crops cannot be grown alongside conventional crops, affirming that TELA maize coexists well with other plant varieties.
Government officials and agricultural experts at the event emphasized the importance of biotechnology in ensuring food security, advocating for wider adoption and awareness campaigns to educate rural farmers on the benefits of GM crops.
Source- Daily Trust
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The adoption of genetically modified crops like PBR cowpea and TELA maize marks a significant advancement for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, offering solutions to some of the most pressing issues faced by smallholder farmers. However, for agribusiness stakeholders to fully leverage this innovation, several key factors must be considered:
- Scaling Up Seed Accessibility and Affordability
While these crops demonstrate significant benefits, limited access to high-quality seeds remains a challenge. The government and agribusiness investors should collaborate on seed distribution networks and subsidies to ensure smallholder farmers can adopt these improved varieties at scale. - Market Linkages for GMO Produce
With increasing production, structured markets must be established to connect farmers growing biotech crops with buyers, agro-processors, and food manufacturers. Creating certification and traceability systems will help build consumer confidence and facilitate trade. - Regulatory and Extension Support
Widespread misinformation about GMOs persists, potentially slowing adoption. Extension services should be strengthened to provide farmers with science-based information and best practices for maximizing the benefits of these crops. - Environmental and Economic Sustainability
The reduction in pesticide use not only cuts costs for farmers but also minimizes environmental impact. This makes biotech crops a viable tool for sustainable agriculture, aligning with climate-smart farming practices. - Cross-Border Expansion and Regional Adoption
Given the success of these GM crops in Nigeria, agribusiness stakeholders should explore opportunities to expand their adoption across other African markets, particularly where similar climate and pest challenges exist.
The success stories emerging from Nigerian farmers demonstrate that biotechnology has the potential to revolutionize food production, improve farm incomes, and enhance food security. However, achieving widespread impact requires coordinated efforts among policymakers, seed companies, researchers, and financial institutions to address accessibility, affordability, and public perception. With strategic implementation, biotech crops can serve as a sustainable solution to Africa’s growing agricultural challenges.
