Nigeria approves its first genetically modified food crop

Nigeria has recently approved its first genetically modified food crop, the pest-resistant cowpea, after years of research and development. This breakthrough is significant as it aims to reduce the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals in farming practices, ultimately contributing to the country's agricultural sustainability. Lois Sankey, Head of Agricfinance, Emerging Business at Diamond Bank, discussed the implications of this approval and assessed Nigeria's Agriculture Promotion Policy in an interview with CNBC Africa. The policy, which runs from 2016 to 2020, focuses on bridging key gaps in the agricultural sector and promoting technological advancements to boost productivity. With 2019 nearing its end, the agriculture sector in Nigeria is set to witness several advancements and innovations that will shape the future of farming in the country. One of the key highlights of the Agriculture Promotion Policy is the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food crops, starting with the cowpea. The genetically modified cowpea carries a naturally occurring gene extracted from bacteria, which provides natural resistance to pests without the need for toxic chemicals. This development is a significant step towards sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices, as it reduces the reliance on pesticides and minimizes health risks associated with chemical exposure. Lois Sankey highlighted the positive impact of this innovation, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector. The adoption of GMO crops like the cowpea paves the way for a more efficient and environmentally conscious approach to farming in Nigeria. In addition to GMOs, the Agriculture Promotion Policy also focuses on embracing cutting-edge technologies to enhance agricultural productivity. Mechanization plays a crucial role in this agenda, with initiatives to provide farmers access to tractors and other modern farming equipment. By increasing mechanization, farmers can cultivate larger fields, reduce labor costs, and improve overall efficiency in farming operations. The implementation of drones in agriculture is another significant advancement supported by the policy. Drones are utilized to map agricultural lands, gather data, and monitor crop health, leading to precision farming practices. These technological interventions are poised to revolutionize the agricultural landscape in Nigeria by promoting sustainable farming methods and increasing productivity across different crop value chains. Furthermore, partnerships with international organizations and investment projects are driving progress in the agriculture sector. Collaborations with institutions like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and initiatives like the Nigerian Agricultural Investment Project are accelerating agricultural development in the country. The project focuses on key food crops such as cowpea, rice, soybeans, aquaculture, and corn, aiming to enhance agricultural production and food security. In addition, the adoption of innovative solutions like tissue culture and biotechnology in crop management demonstrates a commitment to leveraging science and research for agricultural advancement. Lois Sankey emphasized the transformative potential of these initiatives in boosting Nigeria's agriculture sector and ensuring sustainable food production for the future. However, despite these advancements, challenges remain in ensuring widespread access to mechanization tools like tractors for small-scale farmers. While efforts are being made to increase the availability of tractors and farming equipment through partnerships with financial institutions and government agencies, more work is needed to address the gap between demand and supply. Sustainable financing mechanisms and support systems are essential to enable farmers to access modern agricultural technologies and improve their farming practices. As Nigeria enters a new era of agricultural transformation, stakeholders must collaborate and innovate to overcome challenges and realize the full potential of the Agriculture Promotion Policy.