NBRDA Assures Farmers on Safety of GM Crops in Nigeria

On Monday in Kano, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director General of the Nigerian Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), reassured farmers about the safety and profitability of genetically modified (GM) crops. During a sensitization workshop aimed at introducing biotechnology in agriculture, Mustapha highlighted that modern biotechnology, including GM technology, is designed to improve agricultural productivity and enhance farmers' livelihoods.

He emphasized that GM crops undergo rigorous regulatory scrutiny before commercial release in Nigeria, ensuring they pose no danger to human health or the environment. Mustapha noted that the adoption of GM crops could lead to increased yields, reduced dependency on pesticides, and lower production costs.

He encouraged farmers to embrace scientific innovations and seek guidance from relevant authorities. The workshop gathered farmers, extension workers, and traditional rulers to discuss the role of biotechnology in improving food security and agricultural productivity in Nigeria.