Expert Calls For National Biotech Laboratory

An Agricultural
Laboratory Scientist, Dr Okoh Adama, said a national biotech laboratory was needed to bring the system closer to the users.
“Plant products of biotechnology have been available in the market for some time now.
“These modified crops look like their traditional counterparts, but they possess special characteristics that make them better.
“Unfortunately, we have been hindered in all fronts to apply it here.
“ But with the passage of the law now, I think we should get to work to provide this alternative agriculture for our teeming population,’’ he said.
An agriculturist, Mr Festus Achum, said the application of biotech farming was an antidote to the present draw-backs in the sector.
“The national biotech laboratory will be the right hub for the development of the genetic seedlings for our farmers. It is not a bad idea,’’ he said.
On his part, Chief Olam Adenge, a member of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Makurdi Branch, said biotech farming could only succeed with substantial education and enlightenment of the populace.
He said: “The building of a national biotech laboratory could be a point of convergence for all farmers’ associations in the country.
“I have come to know the benefits accruable from the technology but our people are not sure of it safety.
“ The laboratory will help to demystify such feelings.’’
The Tide reports that plant products of biotechnology approved for food use have been modified to contain traits such as insect resistance, disease resistance, herbicide tolerance as well as altered nutritional profile and enhanced storage life.