The Director-General of National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, has said biofortification in plant breeding can fight the scourge of malnutrition and also increase incomes of smallholder farmers. Maize also offers appropriate entry point being a traditional staple crop and vital food security pillar for Nigerian smallholder farmers” Professor Mustapha said. Micronutrient-dense maize integrated into regular diets will help counter recurring Vitamin A deficiencies and protein deficiencies affecting children and mothers while raising farmers’ income. “Overall, mainstreaming such improved varieties across Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecologies 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.

Source: Nigerian Tribune December 12, 2023 12:03 UTC