GM Crops to Help Combat Food Insecurity
March 5, 2025| |
The Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) highlighted the important role of genetically modified (GM) crops in addressing food insecurity in the country. This was emphasized by BSN President Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu during an interview in Abuja on February 26, 2025.
The BSN President stated that the cultivation of GM crops increased from 1.7 million hectares in 1996 to 136 million hectares in 2009. These crops, she added, have significantly improved agricultural productivity by minimizing loss from the impacts of biotic and abiotic stresses, such as pests, diseases, and environmental stresses.
“GM crops will increase rural income and reduce poverty in a country like Nigeria,” Prof. Uzochukwu said. She used Bt cowpea and Bt cotton as key examples, noting their ability to create jobs, increase yields, and reduce pesticide use. Bt cowpea, she added, could increase yields by 90%, significantly contributing to food security in the long run.
For more information, read the article from Voice of Nigeria.
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