AATF moves to sustain gains of GM cowpea

AFRICAN Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has concluded arrangements to sustain the gains of Nigeria’s first genetically modified crop variety, the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea with a second gene.

AATF facilitated the environmental release of the first generation of PBR Cowpea in 2019 after one decade of confined and on-farm trials by the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State.

During a courtesy visit to the Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), at the weekend, in Abuja, AATF representative for West Africa, Dr. Jean Bapsite, said unprecedented testimonies from farmers on the importance of PBR cowpea compelled the team to quickly work to protect the cowpea against any possible breakdown.

He said: “As is the practice in science, we continue to improve on our successes and leave no gap for any breakdown. The second gene will strengthen, reinforce and increase the resistance level of the PBR Cowpea against any attack.”