The Director General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, has said that using biofortification in plant breeding can fight the scourge of malnutrition and also increase the incomes of smallholder farmers. Micronutrient-dense maize integrated into regular diets will help counter reoccurring vitamin A deficiencies and protein deficiencies affecting children and mothers while raising farmers’ income. “Overall, mainstreaming such improved varieties across Nigeria’s diverse agroecologies can profoundly impact malnutrition if policies also enable farmers’ adoption and consumption,” he said. The NABDA boss, however, said the generation of micronutrient-dense crops through the use of biotechnology is more cost-effective, sustainable, and realistic. He said the conference will facilitate connections and collaborations among attendees for research projects, resource sharing, and addressing industry challenges.

Source: Nigerian Tribune December 04, 2023 09:54 UTC