Stakeholders on organic agriculture on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in Abuja, called on government at all levels to ensure safe alternatives to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria.
GMOs are organisms whose genetic material in the DNA or RNA have been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
This involves introducing genes from one species to the DNA of another species to introduce new traits or characteristics.
The stakeholders made the call at the December edition of a symposium on Safe Alternatives to GMOs in Nigeria with the theme “Upscaling Organic and Agroecology”.
The symposium held via a webinar was organised by the Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN), in conjunction with Organic and Agroecology Innovation Platform (OAIP) and Journalists Go Organic.
Prof. Olugbenga AdeOluwa, National Coordinator, ORAIN, in his opening remarks disclosed that a World Bank report showed that global food security conditions were gradually stabilising in 2024.
AdeOluwa said that there was therefore the need for Nigeria to prioritise safe alternatives to GMOs, with a view to addressing food security and economic gain in the country.
He noted that many farmers in the country also cut corners in their production practices by engaging in several unwholesome acts which endanger the health of consumers.
“There is no gainsaying the fact therefore that safety of ‘GMOs’ regarding human health, environmentally, socially and economically is questionable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Anthony Job, Plant Scientist and Maize Hybrid farmer, noted that organic farmers were trying to contrast conventional, traditional, and the genetically modified breedings.
According to him, in terms of the organisms in conventional breeding, individuals are used to form varieties that are from the same species.
“In the case of genetically modified organisms, genes from one species can be inserted in another, even if they are non-related,” he explained.
He explained that the conventional breeding takes time and number of generations, while genetic engineering could be faster because the effects were rapidly visible.
He noted that, in terms of alternatives, there was the BSL2201, which was released in 2023.
“BSL is an acronym for value seeds limited, which is bred by my humble self.
“BSL2201 is a white hybrid, sold around to fall army worm, it has a yield potential of about 8.3 tons per hectare.
“This variety can be grown without any insecticide, without any pesticide applications,” he said.
The plant scientist also said that there were two open pollinated varieties, ARTMAZ O1 and ARTMAZ O2, adding that ARTMAZ O1 was a white-green kennel.
“ARTMAZ O1 is bred in RIT, and then we have ARTMAZ O2, which is a yellow-green colour, also an OPV released in 2023, with a high green yield potential,” he further said.
Earlier in his address of welcome, Mr Peter Bakare, President, ORAIN, said there was the need to upscale the sensitisation of both farmers, processors and consumers, so they would be able to decide on what to take to improve their health.
According to him, there are so many things going wrong in the food safety system.
“We believe that the more people are sensitised to know the right from wrong, the better for us and the population in Nigeria.
“It will also be better for human capacity development and our health system, as well as for the growth of our Gross Domestic Product.”
By Anita Uzoagba
