In a bid to boost food production and improve pest resistance, Nigeria has embraced Tela maize, a genetically modified crop hailed by its proponents as a revolutionary solution to the country's food security challenges.
In a bid to boost food production and improve pest resistance, Nigeria has embraced Tela maize, a genetically modified crop hailed by its proponents as a revolutionary solution to the country's food security challenges. However, the adoption of this crop has sparked intense controversy, with many questioning its safety, environmental impact, and potential effects on the country's sovereignty, food security and economy.
Many are asking whether the adoption of Tela maize is truly in the best interests of the Nigerian people, or if it serves the interests of powerful corporations and philanthropic organizations. This has prompted calls for caution and demands for safer alternatives, as a Nigerian maize farmer like Mrs Nkechi Okoro, emphasises the need to prioritize health and wellbeing while speaking with THISDAY.
According to a Popular Environmental Activist, Dr Oladipo, Folorunsho,"The lack of transparency is alarming. We need to know what we're dealing with. What are the potential risks associated with Tela maize? "I have sent emails to your office asking for the papers you reviewed that guaranteed Tela Maize's safety, but no reply.
"I look forward to you being different from others puppeted by those NGOs and fancy organisations that are wolves in sheep's clothing." The intensive use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in Tela maize farming could lead to soil pollution because chemical residues can accumulate in the soil, reducing fertility and affecting beneficial microorganisms.
The potential environmental impacts of Tela maize have sparked widespread concern among Nigerians, who are calling for more sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to agriculture.While Tela maize may promise higher yields in the short term, its potential impact on long-term soil health and fertility is a pressing concern for farmers like Mr. John Okeke.
Mr Okeke's concerns resonate with many farmers who recognise the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in maintaining food security and protecting the environment. As the debate surrounding Tela maize continues, it is clear that any solution must prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains.Nigerians are concerned that the adoption of Tela maize could compromise the country's ability to make decisions about its food system, potentially eroding its sovereignty.
"We must go beyond talking online to crush this evil called GMO in this country. This is not Politics, I repeat, it is not politics. This is about life and health. "NBMA is committed to ensuring transparency, safety and unbiased decision-making concerning genetically modified organisms," she said. She further listed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, National Agricultural Seed Council and some university research centres as part of the process.
"There are many challenges associated with genetic modification crops that we cannot deny. So far, GMOs have been linked to cancers, diseases, allergies, and all sorts of health challenges due to environmental implications because of their dependency on toxic pesticides and the destruction of biodiversity and nutritional diversity.
Also speaking HOMEF's Director of Programmes and Project Lead for Hunger Politics, Joyce Brown stated"We don't need GMOs to feed our population. Our farmers have selected and preserved seeds, crops, and animal varieties over the centuries.
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