TELA maize recorded 50% yield advantage in pilot trials — FG
The Federal Government has announced significant progress with TELA maize, a genetically engineered crop designed to withstand pests and drought. According to Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), pilot trials in Nigeria show the crop delivering over 50% yield gains, a breakthrough with strong implications for food security and farmer livelihoods.
Mustapha disclosed this during the Youth 4 Biotech Sensitisation Workshop, hosted at the Chevron Biotechnology Centre, Modibbo Adama University, Yola. He described TELA maize as one of Nigeria’s most promising biotechnology innovations, citing its potential to raise farm incomes, reduce pesticide dependency, and stabilise food supplies.
“Field studies and farmer reports in Nigeria show TELA maize delivering yield gains of more than 50% in pilot seasons, translating into substantially greater profits per hectare,” Mustapha said.
The DG highlighted how the success of biotech crops aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and No Poverty (SDG 1). He also pointed to other genetically engineered crops, such as PBR cowpea and Bt cotton, which are already delivering value to Nigerian farmers through higher productivity and reduced input costs.
The workshop’s theme, “Empowering the Next Generation: Youth Driving the Future of Agricultural Biotechnology in Nigeria,” underscored the critical role of young people in advocating for science-based agricultural solutions. Mustapha urged youths to counter misinformation, share farmer testimonies, and translate scientific evidence into accessible formats for rural communities.
He further assured that NBRDA, in collaboration with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), will maintain strong post-release monitoring of biotech crops to ensure public confidence and transparency.
The event, organised in partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), included farmer testimonies, biosafety discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at preparing students to lead biotechnology advocacy across Nigeria.
Source: Tribune
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The announcement on TELA maize is not just a scientific milestone; it represents a market-shaping development for Nigeria’s agri-food sector.
- Yield and Profitability Gains
A 50% yield advantage has the potential to transform maize farming economics, particularly in regions where drought and pest infestations have historically limited productivity. Beyond higher yields, farmers stand to benefit from reduced pesticide use, which lowers production costs while also delivering environmental and health benefits. These combined gains translate into stronger profitability at the farm level. - Food Security and Supply Chain Stability
In terms of food security, the productivity boost could significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on maize imports and enhance self-sufficiency. With maize serving as the backbone of the poultry and livestock feed industries, consistent supply will also help stabilise these critical value chains, thereby reducing volatility in food prices. - Farmer Adoption Dynamics
For farmers, adoption dynamics will be shaped by seed availability, affordability, and the effectiveness of extension services. While pilot trials and farmer testimonies provide encouraging evidence, large-scale uptake will depend on trust-building through transparent biosafety monitoring and the dissemination of real-world experiences from early adopters. - Youth and Advocacy Role
The role of youth in biotech advocacy cannot be overstated. Empowering young people to serve as credible ambassadors will help counter misinformation, particularly when they translate scientific findings into relatable, farmer-focused narratives. Their voices, amplified across community platforms and media, will be instrumental in shaping public opinion and promoting informed adoption. - Policy and Value Chain Implications
From a policy and value chain perspective, government support for biotechnology and the assurance of regulatory oversight send strong signals to private sector investors. Seed companies, feed processors, and agribusiness players are more likely to commit resources when regulatory structures inspire confidence. If properly integrated into Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda, TELA maize could reshape value chain competitiveness and open new opportunities for stakeholders across the sector.
Conclusion
TELA maize represents a pivotal innovation for Nigeria’s maize sector, with the potential to increase yields, improve farmer incomes, and strengthen food system resilience. However, successful scaling will depend on robust farmer sensitisation, affordability of seeds, and continued transparency in biosafety governance. Stakeholders—farmers, policymakers, and agribusiness investors—should position early to harness its transformative potential.
