TELA Maize is the future of Nigeria’s agriculture

Nigeria's agriculture sector, which contributes 22.35% to the country's GDP and provides livelihoods for 70% of the population, is facing challenges in meeting local food demands and export needs due to underutilization of arable land and various agricultural challenges. The introduction of genetically engineered maize varieties, like those developed by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) in Nigeria, offers a solution to these challenges by providing insect-resistant and drought-tolerant crops. These advanced maize hybrids have the potential to enhance yields, reduce pesticide use, and improve food security. However, misinformation about genetically modified food crops, particularly the TELA Maize initiative, needs to be addressed to promote factual understanding and support for such innovations. The TELA Maize project, a public-private partnership aimed at breeding drought- and insect-protected maize varieties, is expected to boost productivity, reduce maize importation, and have public health benefits by minimizing mycotoxin contamination and decreasing pesticide use.