By Bisola Adeyemo
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, has described the launch of the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea in Kano State as liberation for Nigerian farmers and consumers.
He stated this during the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) Cowpea launch at an event held on Tuesday in Kano, adding that the Federal government is working assiduously to address farming constraints in the country, improve the living standard of farmers and enhance their contribution to government efforts to boost food security.
PBR Cowpea (beans), a genetically-modified cowpea, is the product of an international partnership under the coordination of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) that included scientists from the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
AATF’s Executive Director, Dr. Denis Kyetere, described the development as a landmark event that will help Nigeria achieve food security and increase farmers income, Environews reported.
In his remarks during the launch of the new variety of the crop in Kano, Dr. Kyetere said the development of PBR Cowpea has been a long journey which started in real terms with the acquisition of the technology.
‘’The national cowpea production will increase by 20-100% as has been recorded and witnessed by farmers during the national performance trials,’ he said, adding that the massive import of Cowpea will be reduced. ‘It is estimated that 20% of the cowpea consumed in Nigeria is imported. With PBR Cowpea, Nigeria is set to save billions in earnings,” he said.
“An increased supply of cowpea will help reduce malnutrition in the country, especially among children and women. When people are healthy, they will be productive,” Dr. Kyetere said.
