The introduction of a new maize variety ‘Tela maize’, would save the country over $268 million it loses to fall army worm annually, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has said. The Minister further noted that the country would also save a significant foreign exchange it used to import over 400,000 metric tonnes of maize annually. Chief Nnaji who made this known on Wednesday during a visit to the demonstration site of TELA maize said, apart from the new maize variety, the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea and Bt cotton exemplifies innovation. It will also save Nigeria a significant foreign exchange in the importation of maize over 400,000 metric tonnes annually. Also, the Director Agriculture Biotechnology at NABDA, Dr Rose Gidado said TELA Maize is an improved variety of maize with protection against insect and drought.

Source: Nigerian Tribune October 26, 2023 12:10 UTC