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Scientists endorse genetically modified crops

By Cornelius Essen, Abuja
18 October 2018   |   3:57 am
As the arguments and counter-arguments against the introduction and acceptability of the genetically modified organisms (GMOs) rage on, scientists and research centres have endorsed their use by Nigerian farmers to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in the country.

As the arguments and counter-arguments against the introduction and acceptability of the genetically modified organisms (GMOs) rage on, scientists and research centres have endorsed their use by Nigerian farmers to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in the country.

The endorsement came a year after a topmost scientific body, the Nigeria Academy of Science, had urged the government to roll out technologies in all areas to ensure its adoption.

They made the call at the third South-West Agro-ecological Bio-safety Forum in the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, saying the government’s action was belated and that it was better now than never.

To them, the technology remained one of the most viable options for the country to enhance its food security strategies, as well as provide healthy food for its growing population.

“Since the government has put in place the National Biotechnology Development Agency and the National Bio-safety Management Agency, these would enable the technology to take root here,” they added.

Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, Vice Chancellor of OAU, said the government’s plan to reposition agriculture as the mainstay of the economy would be achieved if traditional methods could give way to modern technologies.This has the potential of boosting productivity, he maintained, while the conventional agriculture has led to food insecurity, hunger, malnutrition and poverty in the country.

“Opportunities must be given to scientists and scientific evidence that proved that GM foods are safe as any other food from conventional sources. Use of biotechnology should continue here,” he suggested.

Another university don, Professor Bamidele Solomon, argued that with the challenge of climate change, persisting pest infestations, declining soil nutritional quality, and reduction in arable land use, the use of technologies and science are inevitable.“It is important tool that can help Nigeria achieve food sufficiency, industrial growth, health improvement and environmental sustainability. Technique could be used for genetic/breeding.”

Contributing, Prof D.J.Oyedele explained that it has the potential to increase agricultural productivity; move the sector away from a dependence on chemical input and reduce environmental problems.On his part, Dr. Ogundare therefore, maintained that Nigeria must step out of political campaign involving GMOs and focus more on scientific information’s backed by evidence.“We are currently faced with issues of hunger and food scarcity. So, all hands must be on deck to think through the most appropriate strategy that would make safe and healthy food available to Nigeria.”

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