By: Aisha Mohammed
Agriculture has remained the foundation of the Nigerian economy, providing livelihoods for most Nigerians, generating millions of jobs, and producing most of the country’s national revenue.
The agricultural sector in Nigeria comprises crop production, livestock, forestry, and fishing, with crop production being the largest part of the sector, carried out by rural farmers mostly from the Northern regions, who have improved food security in the country over time.
In this special report, Radio Nigeria Fombina News correspondent, sought to find out the effects of genetically modified crops on humans and the future of soil fertility.
Major crops farmed in Nigeria include maize, cassava, guinea corn, groundnut, and yam, with 70% of households engaged in crop farming.
However, the growing population, security challenges, pest infestations, and climate change have led to food security concerns, prompting the introduction of genetically modified seedlings to address these issues.
Rural farmers in Mashanono community, a semi-arid region under Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area, approximately 25 kilometers from Yola, are also adopting improved seed varieties to address food security.
In a chat with some Mashanono rural maize and cowpea farmers, Mohammed Usman and Basil Bruno revealed that the modified seedlings have reduced farming costs and expressed optimism that the improved variety will rapidly address food security, meeting the growing population’s needs and providing jobs for youths.
A cotton farmer, Usman Abubakar, Chairman of the Cotton Farmers Association in Adamawa State, noted that BT cotton seeds have improved his yield, eliminating pest concerns.
Despite the lack of road networks, farming activities have created jobs for youths in the community and neighboring areas.
The rural farmers urged the government to adopt biotechnology farming systems and support rural farmers in addressing food security concerns.
With concerns surrounding genetically modified crops, Radio Nigeria Fombina News sought clarification from a Research Scientist with background in Molecular and Environmental Biology, Dr. Abraham Isah on the effects of improved seeds on humans and soil fertility, as well as their availability to farmers.
He explained that modified crops are human and soil-friendly, providing jobs for Nigerian youths and addressing food security gaps.
Dr. Isah encouraged the government and farmers to adopt improved seed varieties, addressing food security needs for economic growth and development.
