The Federal Government has permitted the environmental release and open cultivation of ‘Tela’ Maize, a new maize variety developed by researchers at the Institute for Agricultural Research, IAR Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna.
Communications Officer, African Agricultural Technology Foundation, AATF, West and Central Africa, Alex Abutu, and Information Officer, IAR Zaria Yakubu Dodo, who made this known in a joint statement issued in Abuja, said the new variety of maize is resistant to armyworm, stem borers, and is also tolerant to moderate drought.
The statement added that the approval was contained in a certificate issued to IAR by the National Biosafety Management Agency, NBMA.
NBMA however, considered the advice of the National Biosafety Committee, the National Biosafety Technical Sub-Committee, and the risk management report provided by the applicant.
It stated that the permit authorised the holder and persons covered by the permit to commercialise the Tela maize variety.
Executive Director, IAR, Ishiyaku Mohammed, while responding to the decision, said it was really inspiring for institute to secure NBMA’s approval for the commercial release of the drought-tolerant and insect-resistant Tela maize.
