Rose Gidado, the Country Coordinator, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), says Nigeria has concluded plans to use biotechnology as a tool to improve agricultural produce and spur economic development.
According to her, the measure will go a long way to enable Nigeria to employ biotechnology to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and feed its growing population.
“With this modern technology, we can create employment in line with the goals of the Federal Government.
“Also, with biotechnology, we can grow our economy beyond mere sustenance to the point of becoming a global major player in food exportation.’’
Gidado said before the end of 2018, “Bt Cowpea and Bt Cotton’’ as biotechnology products in Nigeria would be on the market.
She said the products had passed through all the experimental trial stages successfully, ready to enter the market when both international and national regulatory agencies gave their approval.
Gidado said the modern technology has the potential to reduce pest problems with economic and environmental benefits when correctly used.
“As a giant of Africa, once Nigeria gets it right, it will change the face of Africa in the area of GMOs,“ she said.
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