Federal Government on Sunday granted environmental approval for evaluation and open cultivation of TELA Maize in the country.
This is contained in a statement by the Communication Officer of African Agricultural Technology Foundation, (AATF), West and Central Africa Mr Alex Abutu in Abuja,
Mr Alex Abutu explained that the TELA maize was a variety developed by researchers at the Institute for Agricultural Research, (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, that resists fall armyworm, stem borers, and tolerates moderate drought.
According to him, the decision is contained in a certificate issued to IAR by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), which is an agency mandated to regulate genetically modified products in the country.
He said the certificate was for General/Commercial Release of TELA Maize Genetically Modified for Drought Tolerance, Resistance to Stem Borer and Fall Armyworm.
“The document accompanying the certificate from NBMA said that in deciding to grant the permit, the agency took into consideration the advice of its Technical Sub-Committee, and the risk management report provided by the applicant,” the Communication Officer said.