IAR’s transgenic maize to save farmers N9bn agric losses annually

The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru, in collaboration with the Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), has developed a genetically modified maize (TELA Maize) which will save Nigerian farmers economic losses from insect pests and drought up to N9 billion ($24 million).  A statement issued by Yakubu Dodo, Communication officer, Publications and Information unit of […]

The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru, in collaboration with the Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), has developed a genetically modified maize (TELA Maize) which will save Nigerian farmers economic losses from insect pests and drought up to N9 billion ($24 million). 

A statement issued by Yakubu Dodo, Communication officer, Publications and Information unit of the institute, quoted the Executive Director IAR, Professor Mohammad Ishiyaku, as disclosing this during a tour of TELA Maize Hybrids evaluation for resistance to stem borers and fall army worm On-Station field trial under irrigation, at the Institute for Agricultural Research Station Minjibir, Kano State.  

According to the statement, Professor Ishiyaku noted the giant strides recorded by the TELA Maize Project in developing a climate resilient variety that is drought tolerant and resistant to stem boring insects-the stemborer and fall army worm, as a noble contribution to solving farmers needs and improving the economy.

“The savings farmers will make from this maize variety is estimated to be over N3bn from insecticide spray of 500hectares land and over N6 billion from drought effects.

“This is to ensure that we continue to expend government resources strictly on solving those problems that will lead to national economic growth and self-sufficiency in food production,” he said.

Prof Ishiyaku stated that the Institute for Agricultural Research Samaru, in its almost 100 years of existence, has not only developed and released crop varieties that are climate resilient and farmer friendly but recognizes the importance of cutting-edge tools in sharpening research output. 

It is in this vein that IAR combines conventional and modern genetic engineering tools to discover scientific solutions to farmers and consumer problems.

“Today, IAR is bringing to the notice of the public, its success on the development of maize that is resistant to the notorious stem boring group of insects including the dreadful Fall Army Worm which is known to decimate farmers maize production. 

“This is our humble contribution through the dedication of our scientists to achieving results and ensuring food security. In addition, this new maize variety, which we have seen its performance on the field this morning, is also tolerant to drought which will go a long way in increasing farmers production by 90 per cent even with little rain.

“The essence of this Field Day is to practically demonstrate to stakeholders, especially the seed companies who are saddled with the responsibility of producing quality seeds for Nigerian farmers, to have firsthand experience on the attributes of this maize variety on the field,” he stated.

He said the level of tolerance to drought and resistance to insect boring pests is not in doubt.

In his comment, the Principal Investigator TELA Maize Nigeria, Prof Rabiu Adamu, indicated that the trial started in Nigeria in 2019 with a view to mitigating the challenges of fall army worm and stemborers as well as drought capable of reducing farmers yield by 80 percent if not appropriately managed. 

With the advent of TELA Maize, farmers will reduce the use of pesticides on maize to the barest minimum, thus ensuring a safer environment and healthy populace.

Currently, Nigeria produces only about 12 million metric tonnes of maize below the 18 million metric tonnes required with a deficit of 6 million metric tonnes. Also, the current yield per hectare of maize stands at 2.5 to 3 tonnes which is grossly inadequate for a population of over 200 million people. 

TELA Maize when released to farmers will therefore bridge this gap by increasing their average yield to 8 tonnes per hectare.  

The TELA Maize Project is a public-private partnership led by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in seven African countries – Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria and South Africa.