The Principal Investigator of Global Biotechnology Potato Partnership, GBPP, Dr. Charles Amadi has faulted claims that Genetically Modified crops are responsible for the increase in diseases and called on Nigerians to embrace the technology as the aim is to ensure food security and good yield.
Dr. Amadi, who is the Director of Tuber Crops Research, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State allayed the fear while speaking at Kuru, Jos South local government area of Plateau State on the benefits of the expected GBPP project which is ongoing in the State.
He stressed that those campaigning against GMOs may be afraid of losing their businesses if they allowed the technology to thrive and urged farmers especially those farming potatoes to discard the insinuations that biotech potatoes are harmful to humans.
His words, “The Global Biotechnology Potato Partnership (GBPP) is USAID Feed the Future funded initiative focused on the development and deployment of genetically modified (GM) potato varieties to address agricultural challenges and improve food security, particularly in developing countries.
“The project is to develop potato varieties that are resistant to major diseases, pests, and environmental stresses; enhance the nutritional quality and yield of potato crops, and ensure these improved potato varieties are accessible to smallholder farmers in developing regions.
“The partnership also aims to contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing the environmental impact of potato farming through decreased pesticide use and better resource efficiency.”
He explained that there are ongoing field trials and regulatory assessments to ensure the safety and efficacy of the GM potato varieties as the partnership works on capacity building and training for farmers, extension workers, and regulators to support the adoption and proper management of these biotechnological innovations.
He stated, “A low yield of potatoes in Nigeria is caused by late blight disease. To protect potato crops, most farmers spray costly fungicides every few days. Fungicides used to control late blight disease of potatoes are not always available and may harm the environment if not properly used.
According to him, GBPP seeks to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by providing them with more robust and productive potato varieties.
He added that the partnership also aims to contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing the environmental impact of potato farming through decreased pesticide use and better resource efficiency.