By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has assured Nigerian farmers that modern biotechnology, including genetically modified (GM) technology, is safe, beneficial, and aimed at improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
He gave the assurance on Monday in Kano during a sensitisation workshop for farmers, extension agents, and traditional rulers.
Mustapha said biotechnology in agriculture is designed to strengthen food security, increase crop yields, and reduce production costs for farmers across Nigeria.
He described farmers as the backbone of the nation, stressing that GM technology is intended to support not replace traditional farming knowledge.
According to him, all GM crops undergo strict regulatory checks before approval by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), with scientific input from experts in health, environment, and agriculture.
He noted that these crops are tested over several years locally and internationally to ensure they meet global safety standards.
Mustapha added that one of the key benefits of GM crops is higher yield, as they are engineered to resist pests and diseases that normally damage harvests.
He also said GM technology helps reduce farmers’ reliance on pesticides, cutting costs and improving safety, while lowering labour demands on farms.
The NBRDA boss urged farmers to embrace scientific innovations, saying biotechnology offers better tools to improve productivity amid climate challenges and rising food demand.
The workshop brought together farmers, extension workers, and traditional rulers from across Kano State to discuss the role of biotechnology in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
