From Judex Okoro, Calabar
Experts in biotechnology have advocated the use of technology in solving Nigeria’s food challenges.
The experts, who are members of the Alliance for Science Nigeria, ASN, made the call in Calabar during a Science Hangout to sensitise participants on food safety.
The hangout is public education on biosafety regulations and biotechnology applications in Nigeria.
It was held in partnership with Open Forum on agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria with the theme, “Food security, socio-economic development and genetically modified crops in Nigeria”.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of ASN, Opuah Abeikwen, said: “Despite the various breakthroughs that biotechnology has shown, there is still a public misunderstanding of its benefits.
“In Nigeria, a report released early this year 2022 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) estimated that the universal food crisis will affect 19.4 million Nigerians in 21 states.
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“The concept of biotechnology is unknown to many, therefore, public enlightenment on its use, benefits and contributions are crucial to enhancing food security and socio-economic activities in the country.”
He said the ASN is a body of stakeholders that seek to promote scientific innovation to enhance food security, improve environmental sustai6 and raise the quality of living standards
Also speaking, the guest lecturer and Executive Director, Institute for Agricultural Research ABU, Zaria, Professor Mohammad Ishiyaku, said there is a potential for development from science which our society should leverage on.
He affirmed that biotechnology can provide solutions to some of our challenges in the agricultural sector, adding that the PBR cowpea for instance can help Nigeria raise up to 48 billion per annum besides ensuring a massive reduction in the use of chemicals in food production.
On his part, Ekerete Emmanuel, a scholar from the University of Calabar, decried the dearth of science communication in our communities, expressing hope that the science hangout will help Brea h the gap in science knowledge among farmers in the state.
