The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABDA) has partnered with the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa, Nigeria Chapter, an initiative of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute’s Program for Biosafety Systems (IFPRI-PBS), to train 41 farmers associations on the adoption of biotechnology.
These associations include the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), cotton farmers association, maize farmers association, potato, and cowpea farmers.
Speaking during a one-day Biosafety and Biotechnology Sensitization Workshop for the Farmers’ Associations in Abuja, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director General of NABDA, emphasized the importance of modern biotechnology in agriculture.
He highlighted its role in reducing the use of harmful chemicals on farms and preserving the environment, while also improving crop yields, nutritional content, and resilience against pests and diseases.
Dr. Rose Gidado, Director of Agricultural Biotechnology Department at NABDA, urged farmers to take the adoption of biotechnology seriously, emphasizing the critical role of farmer associations in disseminating biotechnological innovations.
Dr. Jean Baptiste, Regional Representative for West Africa for AATF, emphasized the significance of empowering Nigerian farmers with knowledge and resources for sustainable agricultural development.
He stressed the importance of agriculture in ensuring food security, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, National President of Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Dr. Bello Abubakar, highlighted the importance of the sensitization workshop for farmers, emphasizing the need for training and awareness on emerging technologies to maximize their potential.
