Agricultural biotechnology crucial for food security – Stakeholders
Stakeholders and experts in agricultural biotechnology have emphasised the significance of biotechnology in the nation’s agricultural activities, saying biotechnology is a safe practice with potentials to enhance food security.
They spoke at the one-day agricultural biotechnology and biosafety sensitisation workshop in Lagos with the theme, “Navigating Biotech Frontiers for accurate Science Communication.”
It was put together by the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa.
Daily Trust on Sunday reports that agricultural biotechnology is the application of a range of tools and new technologies and techniques to improve or modify plants, animals and microorganisms.
Most of the experts said with new technologies developed for enhancing agriculture produce, Nigeria has not leveraged on biotechnology to improve on the agricultural outputs.
Director General/CEO of NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, stated that Biotechnology “is a transformative field that has the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation and the world at large.”
“From agriculture to healthcare, from environmental conservation to industrial innovation, biotechnology is at the forefront of driving positive change.
“However, for agricultural biotechnology to reach its full potential, it must be understood, accepted, and embraced by the public. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that accurate and balanced information about agricultural biotechnology is readily available to all Nigerians. This will empower them to make informed decisions about its applications and impacts on our society.”
He stated that there are “remarkable biotechnological advancements” happening within the country and urged Nigerians especially the farmers to avail themselves of the technologies in order “to positively shape our future.”
Director-General/CEO, National Biosafety Management Agency, Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, explained that the application of modern biotechnology under a legal framework can be a valuable tool for addressing the several global and national concerns/ challenges in the areas of human health, agriculture, environment and industry.
Asagbra, whose agency provides regulatory framework for biotechnological applications in Nigeria, said it has been providing institutional and administrative mechanism for safety measures in the application of Modern Biotechnology and Emerging Modern Biotechnology in Nigeria with the view to preventing any adverse effect on human health, animals, plants, and environment.