The use of modern biotechnology enhances sustainable agricultural development, boosts food production and alleviates poverty.
Dr. Abdulrazak Ibrahim, of the Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, made the observation in Abuja.
He said that modern biotechnology was one of the best approaches that could be used to achieve sustainable national development and tackle the challenges of food insecurity.
“Modern biotechnology is becoming increasingly important in addressing the emerging challenges with regards to food security and renewable energy demand. Agriculture is everyone’s business and the nation’s independence depends on its development because it will enable us to escape the scourge of food insecurity that undermines our sovereignty and fosters sedition. It is a driver of growth, whose leverage is now acknowledged by economists and politicians and it is the sector offering the greatest potential for poverty and inequality reduction. It also provides sources of productivity from which the most disadvantaged people working in the agricultural sector should benefit,’’ he added.
Ibrahim noted that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), which were a product of modern biotechnology, so far had no negative impact on humans, animals and the environment.
“The coming of the modern biotechnology and GMOs will facilitate our efforts to make Nigeria a food independent nation. We should promote the use of available modern farming methods and technologies that would solve the problems of poor agricultural productivity, health and nutrition,” he noted.
“So we should not run away from the benefits of the application of modern biotechnology and the use of genetically modified foods and feeds,’’ he added.