The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has sensitised Adamawa youth against misinformation condemning genetically modified seeds in the country.
Speaking at the two day sensitisation workshop for youth in collaboration with Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of the agency Modified seeds are safe.
The theme of the sensitisation is “Empowering the next generation: youth driving the future of Agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria”.
Mustapha said that the workshop is timely considering how some faceless people who do not understand science were condemning modified seeds in the country.
He said the modified seeds are key to eradication of hunger and a key to nutritional value that many farmers were yearning to get.
He said that considering the situation of drought and excessive use of chemicals among other climate change issues, modified seeds change household income and productivity.
He further urged the participants to use the training to facilitate eradication of misinformation and make sure that what they gave is factual.
Prof. Ibrahim Umar, Vice Chancellor MAU Yola said, the sensitisation is significant considering the challenge of food security in the country.
Umar who was represented by Prof. Iliyasu Audu, DVC Academic said, the workshop provided an opportunity for the participants to understand the importance of modified seeds against misinformation on social media.
He added that the university has taken it as its top priority to improve food security in the country.
Mohammed Buji, a farmer testified that he planted modified maize on half hectares of farmlands and harvested 3.5 tons unlike conventional seeds that give a maximum of two tons per a hectare of farmland.
He said that the seeds were resistant to drought, pest control free and give good yield that would transform the life of farmers.
Beki Idris a student and a participant said, modified seeds are helpful to farmers and such a seed is safe and has no side effects on the people and he assured to step down the sensitisation to other people.
