The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted approval for the commercial release of transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties, known as TELA maize. The National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries (NCNRRCVLF), headed by Prof Olusoji Olufajo, approved these varieties during its 37th meeting at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan on January 11, 2024.
In a statement released on Friday, it was explained that the four approved varieties, namely SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T, and SAMMAZ 75T, exhibit drought tolerance and resistance to stem-borer and fall armyworm. This results in a notable yield advantage of up to 10 tonnes per hectare under good agronomic practices, surpassing the national average of 6 tonnes per hectare for similar hybrids. The varieties are well-suited for cultivation in Rain Forest, Guinea, and Sudan Savannas.
Stem borers and fall armyworms have been significant challenges affecting maize production in various African countries. Stem borers, in particular, can drastically reduce yields, while fall armyworms are capable of destroying up to 20 million metric tons of maize in Africa annually, enough to feed 100 million people.
The release and registration of these four varieties followed environmental release approval granted in October 2021 by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA). The development of these improved varieties was led by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, through the TELA Maize Public-Private Partnership coordinated by AATF.
The TELA Maize Project, aimed at addressing maize productivity challenges, is currently being implemented in five countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Prof Ado Yusuf, Executive Director of IAR, expressed pride in the release of the new maize varieties, emphasizing the rigorous research and development process they underwent using biotechnology tools over several years.
Dr Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of AATF, stated that the release of TELA Maize in Nigeria aligns with the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation agenda and will contribute to food and nutrition security.
Professor Garba Sharubutu, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), emphasized the critical milestone of the approval of the TELA Maize variety, highlighting its potential to enhance food and nutrition security in Africa.
Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), celebrated the release, foreseeing a reduction in the use of pesticides on maize, which would be beneficial to humans, livestock, and the environment.
Dr Sylvester Oikeh, the TELA Maize Project Manager, commended the decision by Nigeria and called on other African countries to follow suit, expressing optimism about the positive impact on farmers. Other partners in the TELA Maize project include National Agricultural Research Institutes in Kenya, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and South Africa, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Bayer, with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID.