A renowned agricultural researcher from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Professor Rabiu Adamu, has dismissed claims that hybrid crops pose health risks, affirming that TELA maize and other hybrid varieties are scientifically proven to be safe and healthy for human consumption.
Speaking at a mega field demonstration of TELA high-yielding seeds organized by ECOBasic Seed in Jaji, Kaduna State, Prof. Adamu explained that extensive laboratory tests and research had confirmed the safety and nutritional value of the improved seedlings.
According to him, the adoption of modern farming technologies, particularly high-yield and pest-resistant seeds, is the only viable path to achieving food sufficiency in Nigeria amid the country’s rapidly growing population projected to hit 400 million by 2050.
“Food sufficiency and security should be the top priority of all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain if Nigeria must be self-reliant.
“The surest way to achieve this is by embracing certified hybrid seeds such as TELA maize, sorghum, and millet,” he said.
Prof. ADAMU went further to say that, “Countries like the United States have achieved food security through the adoption of such modern technologies for over 25 years,”.
Also speaking, Managing Director of ECOBasic Seed, Mr. Brighton Karume, said achieving food security would require deliberate government policies and support for farmers to shift from subsistence to mechanized farming.
Represented by Mr. Moses Atewogboye, ECOBasic’s West Africa Commercial Manager, Karume urged farmers to move away from the Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) to hybrid seeds to ensure bumper harvests capable of sustaining the nation’s food needs.
Similarly, Hon. Alhassan Ikara, a member of the Kaduna State House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, lauded Governor Uba Sani for complementing federal efforts through massive agricultural support, including the distribution of over 200 trucks of fertilizer free to farmers across the state.
He said such interventions, combined with increased investment in agricultural innovation, were clear indicators that Kaduna State was on the path to food security and sustainable growth.
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